At the time of writing, I have already recovered from the Italian elimination.
The Azzurri players received frosty reception upon arrivals at Rome-Fiumicino and Milan-Malpensa.
This is what the outgoing captain Fabio Cannavaro said:
“I am not ashamed to say that after 14 years playing for Italy I cried yesterday. But nothing can ever erase what we did in 2006 because if this shirt is heavier, it’s because of the fourth star we put on it.”
Partly right.
While writing, I can’t wait for the tie-breaking final group matches.
The African-hosted 2010 FIFA World Cup, arguably the greatest sporting event makes me adjusting my biorhythm in order to accommodate with the fixtures. So far, I’m moving and working around with depleted energy and some reserve resources to keep me pacing with jobs and driving around. Sleep? Depending on teams played, I may snatch some sleep, and wake up to attend the match. Munchies? I have lots of junks in the fridge.
The much-anticipated football show on Earth is currently in progress. The whole world is glued to their HDTVs and giant screen at homes, cafés, bistros, pubs, bars, mamak stalls and even at office. Those who are lucky enough might get to watch live at any of nine venues in South Africa. If only I’m that lucky. A friend of mine went to South Africa and got to see the opening match. His description: marvelous. I envy him.
Talk about the euphoria. As I said, the whole world is in footie hype. HDTV, Astro B.yond... and countless match schedule prints available for pin-ups. I may have decorated my home a little but the fact is that, I enjoy watching matches outside where people aplenty and chances that you get new friends (or aweks) are high. Not to forget, the ecstatic joy and dejection during matches. I broke a teh tarik glass at a mamak stall just because I celebrate emotionally with other supporters. I kicked a stool in frustration of missed target. I broke tears when Gli Azzurri hoisted the coveted trophy. There you go.
At office, people are busy decorating and getting into footie mood. We can see colours and other football paraphernalia sky-scraping across cubicles, partitions and offices. Even there is a competition to transform each unit into a stadium. Some staffs take this hype by selling World Cup hotties: jerseys and vuvuzelas. Vuvuzela? Yeah, that deafening, ill-drone noise horn, native to South African fans is sold like hot cakes. I got two of them; the other one is for my brother. We blow them at matches, much to cheering from other spectators.
Vuvuzela is annoying. Yes, it is. The bee-like noise is deafening, and hampers on-pitch communications. Many players called for a ban, but later rejected by FIFA. It’s undoubtedly a tradition in South Africa, as Sepp Blatter, the FIFA President said, “We are not going to Europenize football. This is Africa as a whole.” This is partly true, but I still find it annoying. I used to hear chants and cheering crowds from the stands, not bees. But I got to admit that it doesn’t affect much, taking into account well-played matches and team organization.
So lads, if you have vuvuzela, just blow them. It’s something new here, and it’s hot like strawberry cakes. The tourney is still ongoing, it’s still not to late to transform your place into a makeshift stadium. Embrace the footie hype.
On a closing note, I pray for Italy’s victory. FORZA AZZURRI!
Khallas.
