The cup of joy is back in its spiritual home. Amidst protests and social unrest, the bonhomie of the soccer world cup is succor to the latin American country where "Christ the redeemer" towers above them all. A sea of yellow welcomed the first game and for a brief moment all the anguish and troubles that threatened to derail the greatest show on earth seemed to ebb away. Neymar is to Brazil what probably Ronaldo is to their former colonial rulers. The messiah stood up in style to score a brace, notwithstanding the generosity from the Japanese official. It was a start that most people except the Croats hoped for and in delivering it, the Samba boys made sure that the joy will last a little bit longer. Tiki-taka took a hit from total football with the Dutch slamming a round five against the defending champions. It was a rude wake up call for del Bosque's boys who conquered all before them last time around in Africa. Will the Spanish be able to veer around this setback or fly back home in a hurry is a question that has only a Chilean answer. Who will be crowned in Rio come the 14th of July is certainly debatable especially with no Paul at hand to help out. Will England top all their previous disappointments to double up on Geoff Hurst's 1966 success? Or will it be the perennial favorites in Italy, Germany or Argentina that would have tears of joy when the fat lady sings? If i were a betting man looking for sporting odds, Belgium may be the dark horses to take the cake, thought what would really be a sight for sore eyes is a team from the original continent landing a much awaited triumph.
That Rafael Nadal won the French Open again is no longer a surprise. He may land on the Parisian dirt on crutches and will still be the favorite. What surprised me was the way in which the challenger threw in the towel. Novak started off with a good first set but to his own peril was way below par for the next three. Every year, the Spanish matador and his troops arrive saying that it would be impossible to win and run away with the trophy as if it was a birthday present. One wonders if the Roland Garros can hold the tournament only to declare the runners up. As always, the English grass courts follow the French clay. Wimbledon is little more unpredictable and if Andy wants to do a two pete after exorcising the ghosts last year, he will need more than just Amelie Mauresmo by his side. His form has been patchy and with the top two still going strong, the British may be in for a heart break this time around after last year's copious tears of ecstasy. The strawberries and cream are waiting and with the season already throwing up a new grand slam winner, another one may well be on the SW19 cards.
The hockey world cup in Hague ran on expected lines with the flying Dutchmen slated to taken on the mighty Aussies in the final. I managed to catch some action and the ball control that the men from down under display both in attack and defense is a sight to behold. Traps and tackles that other teams dream of are executed with clock work like precision. It would take the hosts a big slice of fortune to stop the marauding Aussies. While Europe dominates the scene on the astro turf, Asian representation has been reduced to a stage of just making up numbers. Neither of India, S Korea or Malaysia managed to make their presence felt. Its a story of decadence for the erstwhile home of hockey.