FROM GERMANY 2006 TO SOUTH AFRICA 2010
GUEST WRITER : BERNARD OPARANOZIE
..It has been 80yrs since FIFA presented the word its 1st
world cup in 1930, which was won by Uruguay. The custodian of world football
may not have imagined the popularity to reach its present scale, they were the
wise men and acted wisely.
South Africa 2010 is just another world cup tournament in the history of the game
of football. For the very 1st time it’s being held in African. The continent that
boast of abundant talents and a big contributor to overseas players in Europe,
Asia and Latin American leagues. Apart from being an exporter of talented football
wizards, it is also a hunting ground for major football clubs.
The FIFA organized world cup is the most widely viewed sporting event in the whole wide world. In most editions of the tournament the host nation has often been the favorite especially in Europe, am sure one can’t assume same in South African, due to the teams current ranking and the fact that there hasn't been any significant by South Africa outside of the continent.
Some nation’s names have become synonymous with the finals of the tournament. Brazil for one is the only nation that has participated in all the finals and significantly has won an unprecedented five championships.
The domination of few nations in world football arena is evident in the fact that seven nations has won the trophy since its inception: Brazil won 5x, Italy (defending champs) won 4x, Germany won 3x, Uruguay (winners of the 1st edition) won 2x, Argentina won 2x, England and France 1 each.
The African teams will be a formidable team to reckon with for any overseas teams. The reason being the vociferous African supporters will definitely be in support of any of the African teams against an outside opponent(non African teams), Support of fans play big role in motivating the teams as there’s slim chance of recovery once a team’s encounters a setback in result. As we have seen in the recent concluded African cup of nations how intimidating South African supporters can be.
The draw back for the African teams is that often individual players own agenda comes in the way of the teams, and the later is often sacrificed. Some of the players come just to impress football agents and spotters in a bid to get a club overseas. There will be the making of new heroes and budding stars of course many in the past have landed lucrative deals after the finals.
In my opinion, there’s a 3-way contests in this year’s finals: the tactical prowess of the European teams, the flare of Latinos and the physical dominance and skill of the Africans. The African players tend to be physically overpowering, not just in looks or appearance but by their aggressive play too.
The success of this world cup is of paramount importance to Africa, whether it will get another shot at hosting the tournament. Security arrangements and infastruture already look impressive.
Africa is known for its hospitality which will be on display in the multi cultured South Africa. In the last edition of world cup in 2006, it is estimated that there was over 715.1 million viewers worldwide. It can only get better.
In subsequent article we will take a look at the grounds and the likely qualifiers.
Below are the list of past winners teams.
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SHORT PROFILE OF BERNARD OPARANOZIE
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NAME : BERNARD OPARANOZIE FATHER's NAME : CHIEF EUGENE OPARANOZIE DATE OF BIRTH : 28TH JUNE 1964 NATIONALITY : NIGERIAN QUALIFICATION : AFC ‘B’ LICENCE PRESENT OCCUPATION : CHIEF COACH AMITY INDIAN NATIOAL FOOTBALL CLUB NEW DELHI. CAREER A PLAYER
VIPERS OF ABUMBAISE NIGERIA - 1984-1986 AS A COACH
MOHUN BAGAN INDIA - 2ND JAN 2007 TO 31ST MAY2007 HONOURS CHAMPIONSHIP :SUPER CUP MOHUN BAGAN 2007, DELHI LEAGUE 2008/09, LT. GOV. CUP DELHI 2009. |