____T.H.E. .P.A.S.S.

____Some World Cup Thoughts

May the football Gods ensure that Portugal doesn't win the World Cup. I know it's unfair to the likes of Figo and Deco. But C.Ronaldo turns me off. Never would I put a friendship to the test like what he did to Rooney. Never should anyone else. It's so sad because Ronaldo is a decent player but as a Man Utd fan, he really should go. I'd sell him for Joaquin.

In life, it isn't about winning. Nor is it about winning the World Cup. It's about winning respect.

Brazil went crashing out against France. I thought Brazil gave France, especially Zidane too much respect. They seemed afraid of the 1998 - afraid of history. But I thought Carlos Alberto Parreira should have dropped those that weren't really giving their best for the team. He failed to bring the best out of his stars - namely Ronaldinho. I felt that if there was a need, Kaka should be dropped. Yes, Kaka, one of my favourite players.

I always felt that although Kaka is an exciting player going forward, he isn't suited to battle out in midfield for the team. Kaka stifles Ronaldinho's creativity, and I'd choose Ronaldinho over Kaka anytime. He lacks the close control and a dimension to his game. Unlike Zidane, Kaka only thinks of going forward when he gets the ball. At club level, Kaka had Cafu and Shevchenko to support his forward runs. But with Brazil, Fat Boy Ron doesn't equal Sheva's workrate, Ronaldinho's static at times, and Cafu is now old and slow in the heat. Kaka should have been replaced by Robinho or Juninho - for movement off the ball or solidity, respectively.

Germany looks favourites to win now. They've improved from game to game. And their strikers have finally "grown up". Especially Podolski. I saw him during Euro 2004 but felt he was still rather raw, on the other hand, Bastian Schweinsteiger was already impressing then. Together with Philip Lahm, Germany's left wing is really scary.

However, I'd support my second favourite international team, Italy now. It's been years for them. Many felt that their quarter final slot was undeserved with the "penalty" that kicked Socceroos out. I beg to differ. History is such that Italians are natural defenders - masters of the art of Catenaccio. In fact, I thought the Italians played a lot better than the Australians before the red card of Marco Materazzi, having many chances that Luca Toni failed to convert. I also thought that the red card was just as unjustified as the penalty. However, as smart players, what Italy (with 1 man down) did was the right thing - since it's hard to outplay with the lack of 1 man, solid defending first, then wait for a break a the oppenent's end with freekicks and penalties. With set piece experts like Andrea Pirlo and Francesco Totti, why not play the way they did?? Thus, my support goes to Italy.

My greatest regret though would be the fact that Paolo Maldini wouldn't be with them if they win the tournament. Yet, I know Maldini's spirit, work ethics, love for the game, professionalism lives in many of the current Italian players. Those like Gattuso, Pirlo, Nesta, Cannavaro, Zambrotta would surely dedicate the World Cup to the Milan legend, should the Azzuri emerge champions of the world.

Alright, that's about it for now. With beloved Brazil out, my heart goes to the Azzuris. I realised too that I've been putting in too many football-related entries, I hope this will be the last one for some time to come. Hopefully, some new writing inspiration comes and I can talk about other stuff too.

I want to believe that my life isn't all about that sickening ball...

---------------------------------