Football Mania !

The football fever of the Euro Cup is over. Over almost a month the most competitive teams all over Europe clashed on the football field to establish supremacy on the continent, albeit on the field.

In India of course there is a miniscule population which is swayed by the trance of this magic simple game, favouring for the more complex cricket. It is really odd that the game which enthralls millions all over the world fails to attract the attention of the Indian masses. I often wonder whether it has to do with the pathetic situation of the national football team or is this something more deep-rooted.

This year’s championship had its usual share of fun and upsets. Spain was clearly the favourites from the start; however, many were rooting for a Spain – Germany clash in Kiev. But as we all saw, in the semis a hurricane called Balotelli did them in. Last Sunday Spain finished their campaign in style, with a margin of four, literally hanging the Italy squad out to dry ! One of my Spanish friends have written to me recently that the nation has become so excited with the win that they have momentarily forgotten their economic troubles !

Coming from that miniscule portion of Indians who is also entranced by football, notwithstanding the fact that our national team is nothing to talk about, I tried my best to follow the matches, with whatever next day’s routine would allow, what with the time difference and matches starting at midnight.

And then I wait for World Cup !

Every time I watch international football on television, I cannot wonder why the football coaches, be it the national team or the clubs, are fully attired in Monday office gear on the sidelines. Strategists that they are with all due regards to them, I cannot understand why they have to sit in the dug-out in a suit and a tie and occasionally breaking off into a jig when their team scores one too many. It is indeed a bit funny, however like many things in the universe, it is beyond me to understand.