A new champion

Whenever a 700 million people sit glued to their TV screens for 120 minutes, it might well be an important event. Over the past month TV audiences have been following the FIFA world cup football more keenly that the stock market with every anticipatory belief that a new team would finally kiss the trophy and eventually it happened so with the pre-tournament favorites Spain beating the 3 time finalists Holland. For the Dutch though, this was another missed opportunity to get to the platinum league, but then they were truly the worthy opponents the Spaniards would cherish for making this world cup finals so special. Finally 9 Yellow cards later and by Paul's grace (Paul the prophesying octopus who shot to predictive glory picking the winners right all the time thus becoming a business enabler. The blokes at Ladbrokes and other betting houses must next be strategizing as to how to get Paul work for them) The Spanish Armada, meanwhile sets sail back home with the booty leaving most of us like me bleary eyed but amazed at this game and the pompous occasion the past month was...Truly the game was a winner and as Shakira croons, Waka Waka- This time for Africa, hosting the most important sporting event on the planet must have done plenty good for the wonderful people and the nations associated. When bidding ended in 2004 and South Africa was chosen over Egypt and Morocco, few had thought that South Africa would be such gracious hosts, providing world class infrastructure to complement the high expectations and global attention this event attracts and deserves. The best part about the FIFA world cup is not about winning the cup itself but the milestones that each football playing nation aims at. For some teams, a qualification into the elite league of 32 is a feat that signifies achievement and for some it is more than that. Celebrations, Joy, glory, pain, disappointment and outpour of emotions is probably what makes this game and event such great glue that humanity thrives on (at least in a large part of the world). There are nations that take victory and defeat beyond the fringes of rational justification. Brazil is known to declare a holiday when the team wins or a day of mourning when they don't. The Nigerian team's suspension followed by hasty revoking of the same due to public outcry and FIFA's intervention are examples of sheer passion that people have for this great game.


Spain with their brand of 'beautiful football can be winning football' lay their hands on Football's holy Grail and crown themselves as the new champion in a final that was, for the first time different from the past 80 years where one of the big four (Italy, Brazil, Germany or Argentina) were not a part of the grand finale. While, I know I will struggle hard this morning focusing on work with a 2 hour sleep, the excitement of seeing a new champion and the euphoria around the world should keep me going.

And for the Dutch, The two F-16 jets one of them painted ‘Oranje’ for the occasion escort their plane home for a tumultuous welcome - What a victory for the game, the nation, the continent and importantly the victory of the human spirit. Viva Football!