Greatest show kicks off in Russia today
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any indication of what is to come then the World is in for a special treat. Neymar the most expensive player in the world surprised the world last year when he announced he was leaving Barcelona for Paris Saint Germaine (PSG) and now one wonders if it has anything to do with past history and his desire to win a world cup. Rewind, in 1993 former Brazilian Captain and midfielder Rai transferred to PSG and the following year the Samba Boys won in the USA, then in 2001 Ronaldinho transferred to PSG and the next year Brazil became the first team to win five world Cup titles. In addition, the only time a non-European country won the cup in Europe Italy did not qualify for the finals, and yes, Brazil led by a 17 year-old boy named Pele won their first cup in 1958 after beating the host nation Sweden. Fast forward to 2018 and Italy have failed to qualify. Can history repeat itself and promote the South Americans to Six-star status? Under the guidance and wise-mind of Coach Tite the Brazilians look supremely ready to contest.
The Germans also bring with them some history, though it is not one they would relish as they go in search of becoming the 3rd nation to win ‘Back-to-back’ titles, joining Italy (1934 and 1938) and Brazil (1958 and 1962). To do this they must break the tradition of no winner of the Confederations Cup, the prelude tournament played in the host nation the year before the finals, has gone on to win the World Cup. They humiliated Brazil at home in 2014, on their way to becoming the first non-South American nation to win the cup in South America and are very much in contention to go all the way, despite retaining only nine players from the last triumph. Like Brazil they have a rich football pedigree.
The other two countries being championed as legitimate contenders are former one-time champions Spain and France, two teams loaded with technically sound players but at the Big Dance there will be very little room to perform since modern football is very compact and full of pace but less space. Ingenuity and few mistakes will be the key to success. My selection for the final four is France versus Brazil and Germany against Argentina and in the final Brazil will prevail 2-1 over Argentina.
It is expected to be another fascinating tournament watched by the world with actor Wil Smith and Nicky Jam performing the official song of the World Cup “Live it up” as part of a planned two hour opening ceremony that will also include performers paying tribute to the rich culture and tradition of Russia. It has been reported that over 95 percent of the tickets for the matches have been sold out.
No home team has ever lost at the opening game of any World cup tournament which has produced six wins and three draws, including a scoreless one in 1970 between host Mexico and the then Soviet Union. For the first time an Asian team will be featured in an opening game and while the Saudi Arabians are ranked just above the Russians the game can be considered an even match between the two lowest ranked teams at the World Cup.
It is the general belief that this game could go either way or end in a stalemate. I, however, favor the host because they are used to the conditions and would have tremendous support among the anticipated 80,000 fans to flock the Luzhniki Stadium for the opening act. Amid the excitement, let’s welcome the 5th President of FIFA to be in charge of a World Cup, Swiss-Italian Gianni Infantino.
The four-year wait is over. Now for the real action that continues the colorful painting of the rich-storied history of the ‘Greatest Show on Earth’.
Today’s Fixture Russia vs Saudi Arabia