The picture of Ronaldo’s run towards the corner flag, waving his right index finger and flashing a toothy smile, from that celebratory evening in Yokohama hangs like a yellowing diploma on the wall. In twenty years, the collective memory of the world has shrunk to barely minutes if not less. Though a little fresher, but still gradually fading, is the image of Lionel Messi walking dolefully past the World Cup at the Maracana eight summers ago.
The 22nd edition of the tournament, one that was born out of Jules Rimet’s dream in 1930, is now a behemoth and the caravan will breathe the dry desert air of Qatar, for the first time in the Arabian Peninsula. And the sporting question that’s doing the rounds is whether the “winter” World Cup offers Brazil and Argentina an opportunity to break free from the clutches of European hegemony.
The football calendar worldwide has been brought to an abrupt halt mid-season to accommodate the quadrennial event and Europe is not impressed for more than one reason. Europe got snubbed in the last Finalissima, a one-match contest between the Euro winners and the Copa America champions. At London’s Wembley Stadium, Lionel Messi-led Argentina established their superiority beyond question over Italy.
The European champions missed out on the Qatar World Cup berth once again, after losing to North Macedonia in the qualifiers. In contrast, Messi, all of 35, is looking to crown his glorious career with the one trophy conspicuously missing from his over-stacked personal museum. The Undisputed is leading an Argentina side to Qatar on a 35-game unbeaten streak, which includes the Copa America final that helped him claim the only major continental trophy. They are undefeated since July 2019.
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Song and dance there, but where is Brazil's soul?
From swooning over the twirling foot of Richarlison the other day, to fretting over the ankle of Neymar, it is back to business for Brazil. Gone is the exultation to dance and express themselves.
Marriott to reach 200-hotel mark in India by 2025 from current 134
American hospitality major Marriott International — the group with the largest number of branded hotel rooms in India at about 26,000 — has drawn up very ambitious growth plans for the country.
India's visually-impaired players dribble, debate on and off field
Take 20-year-old Shivam Negi for instance. A member of the national blind football team, Negi along with three other NIEVPD students is ardently following the matches by listening to live commentary.
SIPS eating into luxe car sales: Merc
‘MF Investments Reducing Disposable Incomes Of Indians’
Fury's Ground Xiro
Xi's zero-Covid policy has angered ordinary Chinese as never before. A dangerous moment for the state
Trump faulted for dinner with white nationalist, rapper Ye
The sportswear manufacturer has also launched a probe into his conduct.
Blank sheets of paper become symbol of defiance
Chinese protesters have turned to blank sheets of paper to express their anger over Covid-19 restrictions.
Can't deny mediclaim to a vegetarian, insurer told
Dietary Habit Not Patient’s Fault: Consumer Body
Thakur: Will host 'grand Olympics' in Gujarat in future
Union sports minister Anurag Thakur on Sunday said Gujarat will host a “grand Olympics” sporting event in the future.
Will restore old pension scheme in Guj: Kejriwal
He also urged government employees in the state to back AAP while promising implementation of the old pension scheme for them by January 31, 2022.
