World Cup 2014 ... Some thoughts

The Best Team :

Without any doubt the most complete team of the world cup so far has been Colombia. Only four teams have won all the three group games, Netherlands, Belgium, Colombia and Argentina. Colombia is the only team that looked comfortable in all three of its victories. Not only that, Colombia is playing with a reckless sense of fun. Colombia's Argentine coach Pekerman is highly experienced in training youth teams. He has created an extraordinary mix of youth and experience and is likely to go a long way in this World Cup. When Radamel Falcao, arguably the best no.9 in the world was ruled out there were some concerns about Colombian team. But in my opinion, it has actually worked in favor of the team. It actually relieved the team from the pressure of playing in a system that would suit its star. On the contrary, it allowed James Rodriguez and Cuadrado to move a lot more freely and the results are there for everyone to see.

The Luckiest Team :

There are many contenders for this award. Brazil was lucky to escape unscathed against Mexico and won against Croatia after an utterly underwhelming display for almost 88  minutes. Argentina was lucky enough that Iran was denied a valid penalty claim and that some ten years ago Lionel Messi decided to play for country of his birth, Argentina. However the luckiest so far has been Nigeria. Against Bosnia-Herzegovina, Nigeria started well but Bosnia went on improving. In about 18th minute, Manchester City's Dzeko scored a goal which was ruled off-side. Replays showed it was a mistake. Ten minutes later Nigeria scored a goal. However Nigerian player Emenike had committed a foul before giving the deadly pass to Odemwingie which eventually proved vital in sealing Nigeria's spot in last sixteen.

The Best Coach

Without doubt this honor goes to Miguel Herrera of Mexico. Mexico's route to qualification was far from satisfactory. They actually sneaked in from back door because USA defeated Panamá in the last qualification game and Mexico had a chance to go for playoffs against New Zealand. Miguel Herrera was their fourth coach in the entire qualification route and didn't have much time to actually create a formidable group. Herrera recalled charismatic leader Rafa Marquez back and built up a team around youngsters like Giovanni Dos Santos, Peralta and Chicharrito Hernandez, and what he has achieved is truly amazing. Nobody in Mexico gave him any chance. He was severely criticized during the warm-up games as well.  But in the very first game he showed that finally he had managed to create a team (The game that Mexico won 1-0 but with 2 legal goals not allowed due to poor refereeing). And with every game Mexico has looked better and better.
By the way, he is the worst paid coach of the world cup ($153,000 against  some 9 Millions earned by Fabio Capello).

The Best Player

It's a close contest. For many this is Messi's best world cup and he has won all three games for Argentina on his own. For some it's Bryan Ruiz of Costa Rica, for some it's James Rodriguez. For sheer variety, both in attack and in defense offered by Cuadrado it's difficult to look beyond him. But if there's one player whose performance has, not only saved the side but has actually concealed tactical loopholes of the side, it's Neymar. Neymar not only has performed well in all the games, he has done it despite defensive tactics of his coach, he has done it despite poor performances of his much less talented teammates (except Oscar). If Brazil wins the world cup, Neymar will have won it single-handed, a la Maradona in 1986.

Joachim "Jogi" Löw's unhealthy diet......

Joachim "Jogi" Löw comes across as a very stylish, rational, well-behaved, cultured and passionate middle-aged man. Well except the last one, all other adjectives could be debated.

He is supposed to be a very strict coach and he maintains a very strict control over most of the things of his players' lives, including their diet. But in the process he completely ignores his personal diet. Consequences could be really bad.

Look at the video.....what is he having for dinner?

I am sure, before Argentina Vs Germany quarter-final, when two coaches meet for a formal handshake, Diego Maradona, for sure will tell him..."Bon Appetite Jogi"!

England Vs Germany : Preview - Goalless Excitement

Well, here they come. Two giants of world soccer, the contest that always guarantees entertainment, excitement, goals, controversies, penalties and English defeat. In this world cup both England and Germany entered as favorites. After the first game, everybody started talking about the new-look, youthful Germany as potential winners. But their loss against Serbia and their unconvincing display against Ghana has shown that they are vulnerable at the back and that they heavily depend on Podolsky, Schweinsteiger, Klose and Ozil. This German outfit has some resemblance to the team of Bayern Munich of this year. They both know their weaknesses in defense and that's why they attack in order to defend. Mesut Özil has been a revelation and Miorslav Klose has been very effective in the very first game. While he was absent, after he was shown the red card against Serbia and consequently missed the next game, Germany looked a different outfit. Podolsky is their leader in the attack but his form has been very inconsistent in last three games.

On the other end, England looked tired and clueless against USA and Algeria. After the second game John Terry led a failed coup against dictator-like coaching style of Manager Fabio Capello, which Capello in a dictator-like style handled successfully. Against Slovenia, in the must-win game Fabio Capello did some changes and somehow England looked a far better team.  I don't know if it's because they now know what to do of whether Slovenia was not as good an outfit as everybody thought it to be. Introduction of Jeramine Defoe and James Milner especially worked wonderfully. Milner was especially effective on the right flank and if Rooney finds his mojo, Milner can be a great support on the right flank. Apart from that, England has looked ineffective in retaining possession, making passes and creating chances. They sorely miss David Beckham in set-pieces.

So, given the inconsistency shown by both the teams so far, it's difficult to predict what might happen today. Both teams are rather cautious and we might not see too many goals. But surely the match will be one with lot of excitement. Both teams are afraid of going all the way upto penalties but if the match goes into Penalties, nobody should be surprised.

Verdict : Given the nature of these teams and the way they have evolved in this competition so far, I think England have a slight advantage. If the game doesn't go into penalties, England might win, 1-0.

Players to watch: James Milner (England) and Mesut Ozil (Germany). If Germany wins, Özil for sure, will have played a key role.

Prequarter Final Preview & Prediction - USA vs Ghana ...... The game of the tournament...

Ladies and Gentleman, this is going to be the game of the tournament! Simply because this is going to be a contest between two of the most valiant, attacking and emotional teams of the tournament. 

Apart from Japan, USA is one of the most entertaining underdogs of this world cup. USA's game has been one played with lot of heart. Sid Lowe  last night on the debate at Gol TV mentioned that USA reminds him the way young boys play in England or for that matter anywhere else. Everyone attacks and if you end up conceding a goal or two, doesn't matter....keep attacking. Looking at it from a different perspective, one can argue that USA has shown lot of character and confidence. In first game they were against one of the favorites to win the cup, England, and they conceded a goal all too quickly. Despite that they didn't change their style and finally they got lucky with the now famous, Robert Green howler. Against Slovenia they were trailing by two goals and they almost won the game, had their third goal not been disallowed in one of the most baffling decisions of the world cup. US coach Bob Bradley and son Michael Bradley have especially caught everybody's attention. Dad Bradley made some very interesting and important tactical decisions in last two group games and both changed the scenario of the game. It was interesting to see that at the half time in both the games, Bob Bradley replaced a striker with a midfielder. In the beginning it looked defensive but in both cases, it allowed Son Bradley (Michael) to show his versatility and his ability to play as an attacking midfielder. In fact Michael Bradley's influence on USA's performance in this tournament is probably second only to Keisuke Honda's influence on Japan. Michael Bradley is a wonderful talent with a great ability to mix attacking play with creative playmaking. No wonder comparisons have been made with Zidane in his youth and a much younger Steven Gerrard. While Bradley is the creative brain of the team, Dempsey, Donovan and Altidore can rattle any defense of the world on their day.

On the other hand Ghana is the last African hope. They displayed great attacking football and truly deserve to be in the second round. However, their lack of ability to score might worry them. While the trio of Gyan, Ayew and Boateng form the core of this team, the rest of the team has yet to show the same fighting character. Both their goals scored have come in form of Penalties and despite creating some very good chances in their last group game against Germany, it seemed that they quickly ran out of ideas and played for a draw. However, being the only African team in the knockout stage, expectations are high and so is the support for them. 

Verdict : Given their tendencies to attack and ignore their defense at times, this game might go all the way to penalties. If USA can score early they can create great pressure and Ghana might not be able to recover. Given both teams play attacking game, the one that attacks first will have a greater chance to win. 

Player to Watch. Michael Bradley. The way he has performed so far, he might be one of the biggest stars to emerge from this world cup.

Pre-quarter final Preview - Uruguay vs. South Korea

One of the best results of the way first round of the World cup has concluded is that out of Uruguay, South Korea, USA and Ghana we will have one semi-finalist and probably a finalist too. This world cup has been a reminder that in a gradual but definite way, global inequalities in terms of talent and power are being done away with. Uruguay came into this world cup as the weakest Latin American side and nobody thought that they would be able to qualify ahead of France or even South Africa. But they enter prequarter finals with a much enhanced reputation and as favorites. Uruguay has emerged as a solid, disciplined and a very effective outfit. In Forlan and Suarez, they have probably the most dependable striking duo of the tournament.  While we shower praise on Forlan and Suarez, let's not forget the fact that Uruguay is one of two teams (other team being Portugal) not to have conceded any goal so far in this tournament. Most importantly no other team has shown so much tactical flexibility as shown by Portugal. They played a closed and defensive game against France and denied them any opening. While against South Africa and Mexico, they played a much more free flowing and open game. Against Mexico they had their biggest test. Against brilliant Mexican midfield they not just managed to defend effectively, contrary to what was expected,  they managed to create lot more chances than Mexico, and made them truly deserving winners of the group.

South Korea was and is the Asian hope. Nobody considered them to be winners but given the quality of players they have, everyone thought that they would be able to leave a strong impression on this edition of the world cup. They were the second best in the group but, are they good enough to advance further, is something to be seen. South Korea has looked fluent and comfortable when they play attacking football. That was the reason they won so comfortably against ultra defensive Greeks. But when it comes to defending Koreans looked a bit unorganized. It was their lack of organization at the back which helped Argentina tear them apart and helped Maradona gloat more than before. The area where Uruguay should be worried is the efficiency South Korea has shown with set-pieces so far. While Park Ji-Sung, Park Chu-Young and Lee chung-yong are hogging all the limelight, Ki Sung-Yueng has shown great discipline in midfield (especially in regaining possession) and of course in delivering set-piece assists. 

Verdict : Given their tendencies to attack, these teams won't like to leave it to Penalties and we may have a result in normal time. I predict a 2 - 1 victory for Uruguay.

The man to watch : Diego Forlan. Simply because after playing in crazy Atletico Madrid for two seasons, he is just so used to carry weight of entire game on his shoulders and win games single-handed, it would be little surprise if he emerges as the lone differentiating factor between these two teams.

Portugal Vs. Brazil......Shame on you both!!! - An Ex-player's plight

Brazil is disappointing me more and more! Dunga, should for once get rid of his obsession with results and realize that when the whole world was gripped by ugly physical unfair tactics in mid 1990s, it was Canarinhas that saved the game. 

Today watching (intermittently though) Brazil play Portugal was a torture. Brazil could and should have put on some more pressure to finish the group with three straight victories. Instead it seemed that Brazil was keener on making sure that Portugal also advances as the runners up of the group, which everyone would agree, they never deserved. (Forget that 7 - 0 drubbing of North Korea please).

Someone like me, who has played at the No.10 position in the Brazilian national team, I really feel like coming back, renouncing my retirement and start playing again.

Honda's Performance - Real Madrid Effect???

Keisuke Honda's performance against Denmark can probably be highlighted as the single best individual performance. His speed, his flair, his skills and his accuracy baffled lackluster Danes. His first goal is probably the best free-kick we have seen in this world cup so far. Well, I don't remember any other straight goal from a direct free-kick (except the next one scored by Yashuito Endo). In fact, for first seventy five minutes Honda showed such a high level of intensity that in last fifteen minutes, he clearly looked tired and gradually losing steam. But precisely when it felt that Denmark was on the verge of breaking loose and were in mood of trying everything to snatch an improbable win, Honda reappeared and created another fantastic goal and sentenced the game. In fact, it was difficult to believe whether it was Honda's performance which inspired entire Japanese team to come up with one of the best team performances of the tournament or it was sheer strong motivation of Japanese team that helped Honda perform at his best. 

However, if one is to believe rumors in Japanese press, Honda's performance may have been motivated by Real Madrid scouts present in the stadium. As mentioned by Japanese blogger Kentaro Matsuura, Real Madrid scouts were present in the stadium to observe Honda's performance. After signs that Kaká might go for an operation after World Cup and may be absent from Mou´s outfit in the first half of the next year, it's understandable that Real would look for a dependable and not so costly striker-winger.

Well, whatever the reason be. Japan played wonderful football last night and if this is the way they keep playing we are assured of a great spectacle in the pre-quarter final when they face impressive Paraguay.

(Photo Courtsey : The Stuff, New Zealand)

Will el Pulga and el Pipita, win it for el Pelusa?

Pulga is Lionel Messi, Pipita is Higuain and Pelusa is Maradona. In this world cup no player or coach has caught as much attention as Maradona alone. Before this world cup nobody has to take so much flak as Maradona. He tried about 100 players during qualifying round. In fact, Argentina was on the verge of being thrown out before last two games. However, one must agree that people in whom he has shown faith have paid off. He insisted on having players like Martin Palermo (AKA Loco Martin means Crazy Martin or Palermo La Pelicula means, Palermo the movie), Bolatti, Heinze and Veron. Martin Palermo scored the most important goal in the qualifying phase in Buenos Aires when Argentina was drawing 1-1 against Peru and was on the verge of going for a playoff against runner up of the Oceania zone. The goal scored under heavy downpour and torment gave the side much needed boost and then against Uruguay on their homesoil, Argentina fetched a hard fought victory, this time thanks to a lucky header by Bolatti.

Despite qualification nobody was convinced of Argentina and its style.  Nobody knew why Messi couldn't perform for Argentina, the way he did for FC Barcelona with an astounding continuity. But one has to accept that the World cup has been a different story so far though. Messi has performed and handsomely so. Glory of a goal has still eluded him but he has been the leader, the master, the creator that Argentina had been missing, probably since the retirement of his charismatic coach. Maradona yesterday mentioned that nobody else from any other term, in this world cup has been able to perform even a 30 per cent of Messi's level of performance. Someone who has watched Argentina play would agree that this by no means is an overstatement. Messi carried the captain's armband against Greece and became the youngest player to have done so for Argentina. But Messi's becoming a Captain was just a formality. In the very first game it became clear that this team was built around Messi. However, Messi while carries the responsibility of dribbling, passing, dodging half a dozen defenders (which of course is the most beautiful sight of the modern football) and baffles everyone with his speed, Argentina needed one finisher. Have they found their finisher in el pipita (Higuain)? He was criticized heavily for wasting hundreds of chances created by Messi and Tevez against Nigeria but against South Korea he was at his opportune best. Maradona was so convinced of his performance after the game against South Korea that he didn't give him any time against Greece.

However Maradona must be careful and stop gloating (well...he has been doing so for last 24 years....so can't really be stopped now). Team obviously has problems. Despite a goal scored Demichelis hasn't looked to be at his best in defense.  So is true for Jonas Gutierrez. Veron's tendency to play a bit advanced means that at times Mascherano is the only cover before defenders and against teams like Germany or Brazil, who are very efficient on a counter attack, Argentina may be found wanting. 

Whatever, right now the God says that his chosen Prophet is ready to go on the pitch and come back with the crown.........

Fall of Giants - Germany

Well, to be honest, German giants haven't fallen. But Germany's game against Serbia was surreal and probably showed why Soccer is one of the greatest sporting inventions of humans. Germany against Australia looked competent, hungry, prepared and aggressive. Against Serbia they were reduced to an outfit that looked shocked, desperate and bereft of ideas (in last quarter of the game). Despite all that, they clearly looked the better side. Their fighting attitude not just made for great spectacle it also showed that this side deserves to advance to the next round. But sudden slip in form by Lucas Podolsky, who in the first game looked the inspiring leader of this new look young German brigade, against Serbia cut out a forlorn and confused figure. His lack of accuracy at the net and the uncharacteristic miss of penalty (which in case if Germany fails to advance) will haunt him for the rest of his career. 

Tactically they are perfect. Özil is a wonderful talent. Schweinsteiger is held back a little and that gives lot of room to Özil and gives Khedira license to advance more frequently. It would be interesting to see who starts as a lone striker instead of Klose in the next game. Löewe could start with more assured and complete Cacau or more aggressive Mario Gomez. All in all, Germany looked wonderful against Australia. But against Serbia they looked just good enough to advance to the next round.....but are they enough to be champions?

Fall of Giants - France

So France lost to Mexico. Before the game everyone expected France to bounce back and reclaim their status as one of the giants of Soccer world. However, France slid further down towards the abyss. It wasn't sad that they lost. Every team loses once in a while. Even FC Barcelona loses. What was really disheartening was to see the manner in which they lost. Body language shown by their whimsical coach Domenech, their players on the field and players on the bench was sufficient to show that this team neither deserves nor desires to win. Insulting tirade by Anelka against Domenech is just a symptom of some deeply rooted problems of 'Les Bleus'. 

Can they win? Tactically no miracle is possible. Domenech has no damn clue. Even Zidane has said that "Domenech is not a coach." If there has to be a miracle, it has to come from players. In this situation, if there is any player who can do something remotely Zidanesque is 'Titi' Henry. But well, it's also too much of wishful thinking to assume that Mexico and Uruguay will play for a result. 

World Cup Verdict - Assessment of Teams

So here is a quick assessment of teams after all the teams have played their initial games. (Well, Uruguay and South Africa have played two! Laziness on my part!)

Group A

South Africa

In the first game they won everyone's heart. They were quick, flamboyant and stylish. However, their inability in front of the net was obvious. Their players lack big-game, big-stage experience and it became just too obvious in their game against Uruguay. Some of the charismatic runs by Tshabalala accompanied by the gush of Vuvuzela noise have made for great spectacle. However they lack depth at defense and their captain Mokoena as centre back has been a let down. Just for the sake of the spirit shown by them, I wish they win the last game against Les Bleus and make it to the next round.

France

French coach probably consulted the wrong astrologer this time. I had the opportunity of being in Paris on the opening day when France played against Uruguay and french coach left everyone clueless. Except Abou Diaby everybody looked misplaced. Domenech's bust up with Malouda did no favours and Sidney Govou has probably exhausted his good credit to deserve a place in starting line up. Ribery on right looked lost and Anelka was missing Lampard and Cole. But sorry Nicolas, they are in some other team. Last time, Domenech had similar inexplicable tactics, but then.....he had Zidane. This time....there is...and there won't be ...nobody nearly as good.

Mexico

Mexico looks good. If they can exploit cluelessness of the French in the next game, they can surely go to the next round. They were fluent, stylish and promise to be more entertaining in coming rounds.  FC Barcelona product, Giovanni Dos Santos has looked to be very effective and if his performance against SA is any clue to go by, he can emerge as one of the true heroes of this edition. As captain they have Rafa Marquez - a seasoned campaigner who knows what it takes to perform at the big stage.

Uruguay

Uruguay are solid and stable. Diego Forlan and Luis Suarez are in top form and they were unstoppable against South Africa. After four points from two games, their place is next round is as good as secured.

Group B

South Korea

They were good. But then they were against boring Greece. Both Parks, Ji-Sung (MU) and Chu-Young (Monaco) looked very fluent and blunted famous Greek defence. Definitely will advance to the next round.

Greece

Once upon a time Greece had Alexander the great and they ruled the earth and then they lost it. Once upon a time Greece was European champs and then they lost it. Once upon a time, Greece had rock solid defence, now they have lost it. They are going home soon.

Argentina

Still many people are confused about Maradona's tactics. Still there are people who say that this team doesn't work, despite the heavyweights they have. But for me they are one of the favourites now. One good news for the team is arrival of Messi. God's favourite son looked every bit the charismatic inspiring leading performer Argentina needs. If he continues with the same attitude that he showed against Nigeria, we all shall see Maradona in birthday suite near Obelisco at Buenos Aires.....

Nigeria

They were absolutely unimpressive. Had it not been for Vincent Enayama, their superhuman goalkeeper, Nigeria would have lost 6-0 or 7-0. Homeward!!!!!

Group C

Slovenia and Algeria

I didn't watch you Sir! Enjoy your stay for a while and have a safe journey back.

England

A team so talented and so full of promise looked nervous and diffident. They still might progress to the next round but if they meet Germany there, it might be difficult for them. Poor show by James Milner is a matter of concern. Maybe in next game Shaun Wright-Phillips will start on left wing and that might help them create more pace and more chances for Rooney. And Robert Green and his howler.....no words!!

USA

They look every bit as strong and effective as they did in Confederations cup a year ago. They depend on Donovan to create game for them and he rarely disappoints them. Both forwards were not quite effective in the first game and were substituted. They need to be more effective upfront if they want to nurture greater ambitions, otherwise, second round berth is sealed.

Group D

Germany

Germany were surprisingly attractive and quite UnGerman. They have a very young and extravagantly talented group. Against Australia they looked champions. Lukas Podolski who always performs much better for national team than his club started the goal scoring and looked like scoring all the time. In Mesut Özil as an attacking midfielder, they have probably a superstar in making. If he keeps playing the way he played against Australia, by the end of this tournament he will be a global superstar.

Ghana and Serbia

Sorry gentlemen. I didn't watch you. Congratulations Ghana, for winning and keeping African hopes alive. But the gentleman from Serbia who touched the ball deserves special praise to keep African hopes alive.

Australia

Four years ago they impressed everyone. This time they looked like the same 2006 team for first five minutes. Then they were useless. Australia is an ageing side. They defended poorly and without possession midfield couldn't create any chances. Hope they continue playing like this and keep African hopes alive.

Group E

 Netherlands, Cameroon, Denmark, Japan  - I didn't watch you.....and no matter how well you do I won't pay any attention to you till next round.

Group F

Paraguay & Italy

Everybody knows that they will be in the next round.......so I won't watch them for now.

New Zealand

By the end of their game against Slovakia they were celebrating the draw, pretty much what they do in Cricket. They showed resilience, resistance and kept playing well.....anyway...they will go home soon.

Slovakia

Coach and his son have huge responsibilities on their shoulders. In their family every man's name is Vladimir and surname is Weiss and they are all supposed to make Slovak football proud. At least in first game Vladimir (son) did that...but Vladimir (father) needs to do some more thinking and sharpen his frontliners. Otherwise all good work and chances created by Vladimir (son) will go waste.

Group G 

Brazil

All those who don't have a team to support, support Brazil. All those who have a team to support also support Brazil, eventually. But not this time, I suspect. Mr. Dunga, this is not Brazil we all love. If it wasn't for Maicon, and Robinho, Brazil looked like Italy playing in yellow. Just for the sake of sheer talent and confidence they might even win the world cup but they won't win hearts of every global spectator. Brazil was defensive, colourless and lacked punch. Dunga's totally unimaginative tactics put a lot of emphasis on Kaká and if he keeps underperforming, like he did against North Korea, Brazil will find it difficult to add the sixth trophy.

Portugal

Portugal are the biggest underperformers. In fact they were absolutely rubbish. Cristiano Ronaldo did what he does frequently in very important games....Nothing. He overacted and overreacted. He scowled and pouted. Once it started raining and his thick hair-gel started spilling down to his eyes, he disappeared. You deserve to go home Sir! Quickly!

Ivory Coast

They didn't expect Portugal to be so lacklustre and didn't know what to do. They have a decent defence and Gerinho looked impressive up front. Midfield and wingers need to create some more chances and show more creativity if they want to go past second round. But for now, second round looks every bit possible.

North Korea

You are my favorite. A team that has no supporters. (Apparently a handful of supporters at the stadium were hired Chinese actors). Still players did their best. In fact their tearful faces at the beginning of the game must have won them many supporters. Please excuse the excessive use of the word supporter.

Group H

Spain

Undoubtedly the most attractively playing team of the world. But they are as predictable as Brazil. Switzerland exploited this weakness. They were unlucky to have lost the first game. But if they want to regain their 'favourites' tag, they need greater sharpness upfront. Cesc Fabregas has to be in opening lineup instead of Iniesta next game to give more attacking options in the next game. One more thing....Casillas should give less press interviews.

Switzerland

Watching Spain Vs. Switzerland was kind of Barcelona Vs Inter Milan, Champions League Semi-Final second leg. Milan defended everything and blunted Barça's free-flowing football. Switzerland's tactics paid off in the first game. They didn't show much flair upfront and probably got lucky with the goal. But their victory has made the entire group very interesting and if they can manage a draw against Chile in next game, they have every chance to be in the next round.

Chile & Honduras

Good luck boys! See you when you face Spain!

Wit and Humour on The Cricket Field

I recently encountered a few articles on sledging. The victory of the English over Ashes has brought unexpected limelight on Paul Nixon. Nixon who initially thought that his selection in team was a practical joke, suddenly became the big cheerleader of the English team and his sledges are suddenly credited with bringing the English some pride back.

His sledges are not typical abuses, rather they are innocent jokes. Alex Brown in Sydney Morning Herald, worried that if such sledging could disturb Austrlia, then what mental toughness they have to play at international level. You can read all his sledges here. My favourite is the one where he confronted Michael Clarke, (who a few months ago, was accused by Chris Gayle for racial abuse). It went like this. When Nixon saw that Clarke had changed the sticker on his bat, he told Clarke, "That old sticker, Michael, it was always lucky for you. The new one's not going to bring you the same luck, wait and you see." When Clarke replied that Nixon was nothing but a club cricketer, Nixon shot back: "How's it going to feel, Michael, to be caught by a club cricketer? You know what, you're going to make a club cricketer's day."Nixon told Clerk,

I am presenting a few humorous sledging and other incidents that have happened on the cricket pitch. There might be errors as I was not personally present on any occasion.

The first incident took place between the great Sir Viv Richards and English international player Greg Thomas, during a county championship match between Glamorgan and Somerset. After managing to beat Richards outside the offstump a few times, an overjoyed Greg told him, “It's red, round and weighs about five ounces, in case you were wondering." It provided enough motivation to Sir Viv and on the next delivery, the ball disappeared outside the ground. Richards approached Greg and replied, “Greg, you know what it looks like. Now go and find it."

Australians have always been champion sledgers, and if sledging was Poetry, Merv Hughes would be Shakespeare. He never fell short of supplying on field entertainment. During one of the tour games, when Australia was visiting South Africa, Hansie Cronje was hitting Australian attack on a flat deck in all the corners. After one of the deliveries, Merv Hugh produced a loud fart that only he could. Quickly he told Cronje, “go on, hit that for six". The big guy delivered another one, in the 1991 Adelaide Test against Pakistan. Hughes was irritated by Javed Miandad’s continuous sledging in Urdu. However, Miandad did make it a point to convey to Hughes that he was calling him a "fat bus conductor". A few balls later, Hughes got his man and as Javed walked past, could not resist shouting "Tickets, please!"

Sledging is not a recent phenomenon. It used to exist even when Cricket was completely a gentlemen’s game. No less than Dr. W.G.Grace also used to produce some on-field gigs. Grace is the founding father of the “Stay there” school, which is still alive thanks to players like Rahul Dravid and Jaques Kallis. Once, he got out cheaply to a bowler. He went up to the bolwer and told him, “they have come to watch me bat, not to watch you bowl.” The legend is that, he went on to play. However, once he himself had to be on the receiving end of gentlemanly wit, non other but of an umpire. It so happened that when the ball knocked off a bail, he replaced it and told the umpire: "Twas the wind which took thy bail off, good sir." The umpire replied: "Indeed, doctor, and let us hope thy wind helps the good doctor on thy journey back to the pavilion."

Apart from these, I would also like to mention two incidents involving English wicket keeper Arthur Wood, who played for his country during 30s. He had an uncanny ability to crack incredible wit. One of his 4 Tests was the world record score, and he came in at about 6-770, and told his batting partner "don't worry, I'm always good in a crisis". Another one from Wood is when Bradman was smashing a spinner in a county game on an earlier tour, and Wood says "don't worry son, you got him two minds - doesn't know whether to hit you for 4 or 6."

However, the champion incident without which no article on sledging is complete, is the one between Zimbabwean bowler Eddo Brandes and Glenn McGrath. After Brandes played & missed at a McGrath delivery during a test match, the Aussie bowler enquired: "Hey Eddo why are you so fat?" Unshaken Brandes replied "Cos every time I make love to your wife she gives me a biscuit."

Kiss of Luck - 1

Hello Friends

The biggest fiesta of Cricket is just a fortnight away. Building upto the world cup, I am starting a couple of regular columns on this blog. The first one being "kiss of luck". Here I will talk about some minor or trivial event changed fortunes of a team. Also, we will discover, more kisses of luck during the tournament as well. Here goes the first one.....

The Rain At Adelaid

Imran Khan was playing his last World cup in 1992. With a desperate ambition to win he started building up the team a year ago. From his own talent hunt he identified batsmen like Amir Sohail and Inzamam-Ul-Haq. Who both turned out to be key players for not just in World cup but for several years to come. However, Pakistan started horribly in the world cup. They lost to West Indies humiliatingly by 10 wickets. When they faced England at Adelaid on 1st March, they were bundled out for 74 runs. One of the lowest team totals in a world cup game. England, one of the favorites of the tournament, were expected to finish the game off without much trouble and rain interrupted. An ill-timed world up with some farcical interruptions of the rain till the end, proved extremely lucky for Pakistan. Despite putting up a pathetic performance, Pakistan walked away with a point. In subsequent matches they were handed comprehensive defeats against India and South Africa. However, they won their last three games (including against both the hosts, Australia and New Zealand), in the end the single point earned in the rain-interrupted game proved crucial and Pakistan booked a place in the semi-finals. In the semi-finals, Inzamam played the innings of his life to turn the match and the fortune of Pakistan. The rest, as all the clichéd writers write, is history…..

Another Revival Saga

If it doesn’t sound too pompous, I would like to call the year 2006 a phoenix year in cricketing terms. Just when everybody thought that Jayasuriya and Ganguly provided with enough material for romantic moments of comebacks, they got the last and the most romantic comeback story from Craig McMillan. Just when everybody thought that Ganguly’s fairytale phoenix act was the highlight, McMillan provided with another romantic story. Today when he blasted a scintillating century off just 67 deliveries he scripted another impressive revival story. His century not only revived his own fortune but also has revived the spirit of Black Caps and has delivered the last blow to deteriorating confidence level of the Aussies.

Ganguly’s saga dominated entire media for obvious reasons. But McMillan’s fall from the top had been equally unbelievable if not sensational. From captaining the Kiwi side at a young age of 24 to losing the place in side and subsequently losing his contract with the cricket board, he actually suffered a lot. His inconsistency was a blemish on his sublime talent. Earlier in his career he played some heroic knocks, some swashbuckling knocks (hitting 26 runs in an over in a test), and some match-saving knocks also (most notably against India at Ahmedabad in 2003). New Zealand’s tour of India in 2003 established him as one of the most valuable players for the New Zealand squad. But after that his decline commenced. So much so that he was left out on Bangladesh and Australia tours in 2004 . When he was ignored for selection due to injuries and poor form after appearing against Australia at home in January 2005, people assumed he was forgotten for good. Emergence of Jacob Oram as a hard hitting all-rounder, Scott Styris as a dependable batting all rounder and Daniel Vettori improving his batting skills on leaps and bounds, rendered McMillan’s all-round but inconsistent skills almost inutile. Eventually he wasn't even offered the central contract in 2006.

When he was recalled to New Zealand side to play against Sri Lanka in absence of injured Oram and Styris, everyone thought it was a stopgap arrangement. He looked overweight but not out of touch. After failing in the first game against Sri Lanka, it was his patient batting performance in New Zealand’s record defeat at Auckland, which helped him book a place in the side touring Australia for CB series. (In one of the most shameful batting performances in its history, New Zealand got out for just 73 runs. However, McMillan was the only batsman to show application and persistence in his unbeaten innings of 29.) His useful bowling and a couple of impressive knocks including more than run-a-ball 89 against Australia at Sydney cemented his place in the side. Finally, it was McMillan's perfirmance in the last two games of the pre-world cup season where he played up to his potential in some years. His electrifying knocks of 52 and 110 not only tumbled some batting records of his country but also helped New Zealand achieve the second and the third highest run chases in the history of one-day cricket in back-to-back matches.

The guy who had lost all hopes and was actually applying for sales jobs during off-season is now one of the main batsmen of the Kiwis side. All his admirers would be praying that this time his purple patch extends for a longer period. Good news for New Zealand is that now McMillan will go to the Caribbean with the rest of the team on a high. Not only that, but with Ross Taylor, Lou Vincent, Jacob Oram, Stephen Fleming and McMillan all in great form, they can enter the world cup arena with a serious chance to win.

The King Dethroned

Finally Australia has been dethroned from the top spot of one-day cricket. It’s a different debate whether South Africa deserves to be at the top. But statistics clearly shows that South Africa is no.1 one-day side in the world at the moment. Almost a year ago when New Zealand opener Lou Vincent said that Australians were not invincibles, few took his words seriously. Today, everyone has started questioning Australia's chances of retaining their hold on world cup as well.

But why was Australia dethroned? Experts say that sudden loss of Andrew Symonds created an imbalance in the team which Australia couldn’t rectify in time and lost the finals of CB Series. But for years Australians have been boasting about their more than able ‘second-line’ and actually Australia is too great a side to be unsettled by loss of one individual. They even managed to win the last world cup, after sudden loss of none other than Shane Warne. I believe, whenever a strong team suddenly starts losing, its more a systems' failure than individuals' failure.

For CB series final it was clearly seen that players had run out of steam. They were not showing the same passion that they showed during the Ashes. Probably during the Ashes they stepped up their game to such a higher plateau that they were clearly exhausted by the end of Australian summer.

In their loss to New Zealand, absence of Ponting, Symonds, Lee and Gilchrist might have been too big a factor (It’s interesting to note here that last year, with full strength Australian side, against a depleted Kiwi squad missing Fleming they were not convincing in their series victory.) But in the decline in their performance in CB series, I see captaincy as a big factor too. Ricky Ponting has had an enviable record as a captain in both forms of game. However, any student of the game would agree that his style of captaincy is completely different from that of Steve Waugh. While Waugh was a sly strategist, Ponting depends more on muscle power. It seems, Ponting’s ideology is that a good team performance is nothing but sum total of eleven strong individual performances. Hence, when team as a collective unit might be failing, a single superlative performance can win the game. That’s precisely what we have seen during his tenure (The most glaring example, Ponting himself at Fatullah) . Australia has been lucky to have players of calibre to deliver powerful singular performances. No matter what the situation be, somebody would pull them through. In such a scenario one needs players to have tremendous self-belief and motivation.

But whenever countered by an equally motivated and aggressive opposition, supported by smart captaincy, Australia looks clueless. We have seen that often in the past. During Ashes in England, against India, against South Africa and now against England. As during Ashes in England in 2005, during finals of CB series Ponting had no plan B. He clearly looked out of options and hence the revived English side got into the driver seat.

Having said that Australia is not invincible, it's also too early to write them off as non-favourites for the world cup. What Australians have in ample, unlike many other teams, is the big-game temperament. They have this uncanny ability to step up their games to indomitable levels in big games. After all Cricket is full of upsets and turnarounds. For a team like Australia it shouldn't be too difficult to get back to their winning habits.