World Cup 2010 - As I See It (Part II)

As the Tournament has quickly approached the Quarter-Finals stage, here are my impressions:-

1) England Team: The most-hyped and over-rated Team. Their players are over-paid and over-rated. In their match with West Germany they were trounced 4-1. England failed beause of 2 key players - John Terry (who was stripped of his captaincy role because of his marital problems) and Fabio Capello (Coach). Terry was a mere observer and a spectator in the match, hardly the stout defender we know when he plays for Chelsea. Capello did not had the courage to replace him when you know a player is not performing. Keep in mind that days before the match Terry was questioning Capello's authority and training methods, etc.
2) USA Team: The "Most Confident" Team. In every game they played they always said they are going to beat their opponents. Even their fans echoed the same sentiment. Perhaps being a "Super-Power" gives them that "Super-Ego". If only they were to humble themselves and show less hubris!!!!
3) Mexico Team: The Players really salute & workship their country!!! They sing their National Anthem "with gusto" standing to attention with their hands across their chests!!!
4) Showman of World Cup 2010 - Diego Maradona. The world-renown Coach of Argentina always pats, hugs and kisses his players. He craves for attention & publicity. He has complete rapproachment & intimacy with his players - he is their motivator! The Argentina Team of today is totally different from the Argentina Team of yesteryears!

World Cup 2010 - As I See It

I witnessed the best World Cup game played so far - the match between Brazil & Cote d'lvoire (Ivory Coast) on June 20. The game was played in the true & pure spirit of football - free-flowing, exquisite & attacking football I have ever seen so far in an International Tournament. Both teams enjoy in exhibiting their skills in what attacking football is all about - there were constant attacking moves from both teams although Ivory Coast was at one stage 3-0 behind - there was no letting up. The final score was 3-1 in favour of Brazil. I have also witnessed games played by North Korea, South Korea, Japan, Paraguay, Chile and the usual European Countries. My assessment of the Asian Countries are as follow:-
1) They still lack the football skills required - ball control, shooting, heading, etc.
2) Tactics & Techniques - these need to be learned, experimented & improved.
3) Their strengths - good attitude, commitment & sometimes "no fear" & "all for my country" bravo.
For the South American countries I give my hat to them for showing us how football is to be played - chasing every ball, passing the ball precisely & running to the ground.
For the European Countries, thanks for their Super-stars because of EPL, LaLiga, German League & Italian League but no thanks for their sometimes "dull" & "boring" football.
For the African Countries, they are learning the game & they may catch up with the South American countries. For all the Teams - please show us "how footballl is to be played" in pure poetry form so that the "World Cup" can truelly claimed to be "The Beautiful Game"

Treasure Your Life

I chanced meeting a relative while shopping in the Tampines Mall area. Two years ago he was involved in an accident when a forklift lorry rammed into him. The right portion of his body especially the stomach area was badly sheared and his right leg was badly twisted. He showed me the scars. He said it was a miracle that he is still alive today! He had to undergo medical treatment and reconstuctive surgical procedures for many months and his hospital bills amounted to ten of thousands of dollars which luckily were paid for by the insurance claims. He now walks with a limp on the right leg. Life is fragile. Please treasure it!!!!!!!!!

Death - A Taboo Subject?

In our Asian culture we do not like to speak and talk about death. Some young people think "they will never die" or live like " they are going to live forever". For the Seniors as time seems to accelerate the reality of death stares at their faces! Yes death is our companion whether we like it or not. Whoever you are and whatever you are doing can all end suddenly! Before death touches us and bring us home to our Lord, let us cherish every moment and every day we have. Celebrate the miracle of life, live life to the fullness. If there is anything that you wish to do (like a phone call to say "I love you" or " I am sorry" and any dreams you wish to pursue, just do it! We need not fear death but enjoy the life we now have!