So the World Cup saga has ended. For Zidane, Thurram, Barthez, Del Piero and so many people who have given so much joy over the past decade. Quite sad to see Zidane get out in such a way. I’m only speculating but he must have been provoked, maybe even racially abused to lose his head in that way. A lot goes on the pitch without us onlookers ever getting to know. And Europe is rife with racism these days. I remember Thiery Henry being the target of such abuse in his initial days in England. Tolerance is a rare virtue in civil society nowadays and minorities do take the brunt of attacks.

Zidane had a violent past growing up in some rough neighborhood’s as a kid. And it has shown up in some occasions in the past where he has been red carded for head butting and stamping. But on the whole he did have an exemplary career, often idolised by fellow players as a role model for his fairplay, kindness and generosity. Guess we’ll have to wait for a while to get to know why he lost his head with 10 minutes to go. Or maybe it will stay a mystery just like Ronaldo’s fits before the 1998 final. In any case France have overachieved by reaching the final with an aging side. And that is exactly what I like my favourite teams to do. Now finally the time has come to get back to normal daily routines. Lots of lost sleep to catch up.

Busy as I am it’s been impossible to not get involved with the progress of the football World Cup. As usual I’ve was up late catching the 3rd place decider between Germany & Portugal. Real happy that Oliver Kahn went out on a winning note. Now Germany have so many young players that they could be a real force in the next few major competitions. Exciting times ahead for traditional Germany supporters like me. I simply love the way the World Cup brings out the best in them. Even with average teams they reach the last stages through good teamwork. This of course is a side brimming with young talent whose best days are ahead.

On the flipside have to admit that I get a bit too carried away while supporting my favourite football teams. As it is sports usually brings out strong reactions in almost everyone I know. My circle of family & friends are all sports freaks. So these days I’m finding out why not to debate rationally on fancied teams crashing out. Suddenly we all become headstrong, opinionated people unwilling to accept anyone else’s view. Even a normally quiet, objective aquarian like me can’t seem to handle conflicting views that well suddenly. Since Germany won I better watch myself. Don’t want to gloat too much and upset some of my goan friends