As 2012 takes its first steps there's much to hope for, says Ivan Crasto. This time it's more than just two wishes, though there's just one from cricket.
'To play at this level with a plaster is quite remarkable, don't you think?'
The final was a festival of yellow cards and it would have been worse for the Oranje players if the British referee had not been so kind.
Claude Arpi captures the fan's passion for football in these entertaining e-mails to Ivan Crasto,Rediff.com's Sports Editor.
Claude Arpi captures the fan's passion for football in these entertaining e-mails to Ivan Crasto,Rediff.com's Sports Editor.
FIFA has an extremely serious problem which can easily be remedied by appointing a 'fifth official' (or video referee) who could be consulted by radio whenever there is a serious doubt.
'The problem is that you invariably have no time to make complicated mathematical calculations when you face the goalkeeper of the opposing team. In any case, footballers are not intellectuals or scientists.'
'What is wrong with the European nations? Are they depressed with the fall of their currency?'
'Frankly, I am relieved today; the French team should not have got the 'divine' (Thierry Henry's hand) qualification in the first place.'
'I never thought that the Swiss defenders would hold on to their goal. I have rarely seen such domination. Statistics say the Rosa kept the ball for 72% of the time during the first half, but the Swiss Guard did not surrender.'
Too many egos! too many individualities! It is not only true for France, but most 'great' teams with 'great players'. Zizou believes that 'the collective spirit must be displayed by the team'. He rightly said: 'A World Cup is very short; many will never play again, forget your ego and work together for the team'.
Soon, the greatest global show will be over. Life will not be the same, probably a bit boring with no octopus, no blundering referees, no Paraguayan starlet or horrible cacophony (though by the end of the competition we will be missing it!).
France native Claude Arpi shares his thoughts on Saturday's quarter-finals at the World Cup.
France native Claude Arpi shares his thoughts on the first two quarter-final at the World Cup.
The adventure is over for Carlos Queiroz's boys who had not lost 19 consecutive World Cup matches.
'Brazil possess something which makes the stuff of the greatest team: Dunga's players are good in all compartments of the game.'
Claude Arpi captures the fan's passion for football in an ongoing e-mail exchange with Ivan Crasto, Rediff.com's Sports Editor.
The Portugal-Brazil was dull, with both teams having already qualified. The players were mainly interested to evade yellow cards which could bar them for future matches and most importantly avoid injury.
'France and Italy were finalists in 2006, but both left at the end of the first round in 2010. It is only the third time that a champion has said bye before the knockouts.'
'Maradona, who had the unique 'privilege' of having been expelled by his federation as a player and as a coach, seems to be doing well with his players. And they have a genius amongst them. It makes the difference.'
Ivan Castro, Sports Editor, rediff.com on Saturday won the inaugural Indian Sports Journalism Awards of the Sports Journalists' Federation of India in the Best of the Web category.
Ivan Castro, Sports Editor, rediff.com on Saturday won the inaugural Indian Sports Journalism Awards of the Sports Journalists' Federation of India in the Best of the Web category.
Rediff.com Special Correspondent Deepti Patwardhan was a top winner in the second Indian Sports Journalism Awards held in Mumbai on Thursday.
In a special series, we will put YOU to the test everyday!
Ivan Crasto offers his family's recipe for Goan semolina cake and Chocolate Fudge.
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