Home > Articles > WC06: Enjoy the football...in moderation

WC06: Enjoy the football...in moderation

By Touyab Waseem

It is time to get horribly optimistic. It is time to parade the national flag from every orifice of your possessions. For some, time to get together with friends and enjoy the beautiful game at the highest stage in world sport. For others, it is time to weep after over-paid, vain, lazy human beings that let the country down. Yes, it is again time for the FIFA World Cup.

Unless you had taken residence under a rock for the last 3 months you will know of all the hype surrounding this sporting event. It is a tournament which has united people from many backgrounds to watch the cream of a sport battle each other. Against a colourful background, the participants play out their hearts and take the golden opportunity which may only occur again in their lives if they are lucky. A nation comes together, patriots showing their true colours while football fans marvel at the prospect of world stars showcasing the best football in the world.

For the first time in recent history, holders Brazil enter the tournament as unanimous favourites. Who knew that when an Englishman introduced the game of football to this country in the 19th century that this would become the dominant nation in the production of outstanding talent in football. From the sheer physical presence and power of Adriano to skilful brilliance in the form of Kaká and Ronaldinho they will surely be the perfect example of stylish football.

The hosts Germany have never had an outstanding quality in terms of players however their ability to crawl to success in major tournaments seemingly unnoticed means they cannot be underestimated. If Germany went out it would be unsurprising to see many of the major contenders celebrating the exit of an efficient and troublesome opponent.

Onto England, that small loud island which cries to be noticed and is liked the world over. Their success will be measured by their determination to win the competition. The lack of an inspirational captain may call for players such as Gerrard and Rooney to play their natural game and take charge of games before letting a nervous tactical team approach bring about their downfall.

The other favourites include Argentina, France, Holland, Italy, Portugal and Spain. Each has its star, the likely ones being Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo, Fernando Torres, Thierry Henry, Francesco Totti and Arjen Robben but their failure to show consistency in tournaments and the lack of faith (and hype) from their home countries make them all certain to reach the quarter finals at best.

The Islamic nations participating consist of Saudi Arabia and Iran. However, the deficiency of any sort of quality in their domestic leagues results in their role being merely to make up the numbers and hope they are not beaten too badly by the better teams.

While much joy and entertainment can be brought from the World Cup, we cannot forget that everyday lives must be lived. The tournament is merely like a festival which has an inevitable end and is to be taken as a bonus or a reward for the monotony there in the absence of it.

We must remember that although we can celebrate the success of the team of our choice, everything is to be done in moderation if at least to maintain ones dignity. Secondly, the daily duties of a Muslim must still be observed regardless of such big distractions as this. In fact, it is very much a test of our faith when the rest of the crowd is moving towards one thing and you must still continue your own duty.

The BBC has introduced a service which enables matches to be viewed online. This is a serious nuisance for employers and should not be taken advantage of. The radio can sometimes be enough to express what is happening on the pitch and there is a reason why a program of highlights is shown in the evening.

Thus the message is to realise that the World Cup will end and to enjoy it sensibly, as that is really the only way to enjoy something. I look forward to an entertaining World Cup, and hope you enjoy it too...in moderation of course.