Beyond The Goal

Cut to 1986. For the first time ever, a football World Cup was beamed live in India. For the tiring eyes who had to painstakingly watch Indian football, the Mexico World Cup brought some kind of a succour. There was an added bonus as well: Diego Mardona. The hero, the leader and a great team-man. Maradona has a legion of admirers and a world full of doubters. His 'hand' still confuses many a football pundit over that controversial goal against England in Mexico. After watching him on the sidelines during Argentina's first two games as in World Cup, I wonder why he remains a great character. The pint-sized genius hasn't lost his qualities. He is a great motivator. A great guy who transponds energy to his teammates. Whenever Argentina scores, he jumps like a kid. He hugs everyone of his coaching staff and players. In him, we find a simple, down to earth persona which isn't fake. What we saw of Argentina on Thursday was a reflection of Maradona's Argentina of yore...

Watching Korea and Japan football teams at the World Cup, as Asians, we might as well think, where is India? Korea remain the most successful and consistent Asian teams at the World Cup while Japan's J-League started in 1993. In between these 17 years, they have played in four World Cups. Indian football administrators need not organise a travel to Portugal or Spain to draw inspiration for our success-starved Indian team who are getting ready for the Asian Cup in January. We don't know the link between Asian Cup and European destinations. The best thing AIFF would have done was to take a cue from Korea and Japan. Let me tell you, both these teams including North Korea have a selfless approach to do something for football under their home-grown coaches. As for us, we are still to start our preparation. The tentative plan to travel to Portugal (where the month-long camp would be held) is from June-end. India is going to play South Korea in Asian Cup at Doha. Is the six-month prep...