kokoroZendo

It is said that one hour on the playing field reveals character of a person, that all the psychometric tests can’t over a long period of time.. The same can be said about Culture of nations as well, since in my view Culture is nothing but collective character. This is an attempt to make sense of present state of affairs of the, through the lens of Football. In my view, I am employing a time tested Scientific method. Guess and then test. I have chosen a few countries from the current World cup 2010 in South Africa. I have observed them since 1982. Here is my take. Brazil, Argentina, Germany and England. I concede that it is indeed an audacious attempt to predict with a sample of 23 against billions. At times you can catch me generalizing a bit too much than usual. Nevertheless here we go.

Argentina is the most mysterious country in the whole world. The most enduring image of Argentina, etched in my memory was Maradona’s magic goal against England in 1986. And then next one, the way Maradona went out crying, when thrown out of 1994 World cup for taking a banned drug. When he had that divine absolute control of a leather ball, he had very little of it when it came to his mind. At the turn of the previous century, they could match USA. They had abundant natural resources and fertile land. They were one o f the Top 10 rich countries of the world. All it took a few decades. To “Mess “it up. While USA went on be a global superpower, Argentina remained as just one of those places. Along with the latino bravado and panache, they also possess a self destructive button. And they swing from one high to another low with gay abandon. They also do possess an innate ability to rebound from abysses of failures. Only Argentina can beat Argentina. And they have to guard against themselves rather than rival forwards. Heart rules the Head just more than it should. As the life of Maradona amply of evidence. From someone who is about to die of overeating comes out of his hospital bed and inspires a young team to play well. And I hope they have forgotten their self destructive button in their a “bit messed up” country. But it does take a “ messed up “ place to create someone like Maradona or Messi.. No training academy or coaching manual can do that.

Now let us turn our attention to their South American rivals. (It is said rest of the world has mere “history”, Brazil and Argentina have their “Football history”!) Brazil. A Brazilian loss in football field is most celebrated in the streets of Buenos Aires. One of the most fascinating countries in the world, home of Paul Coelho, Ayerton Senna , Dr. Socrates, Pele , Zico and carnivals. Known for their flair and finesse, they are trying to change their culture. At least some of them over the resistance of vast majority. Winning is the new mantra over being winsome. Especially after the 1982 loss against Italy. The past wins of Brazil , brought joy and present wins only brings in the money, only for them. We don’t need Felip Melos, but more Socrates . They might do much better as a BRIC nation, if they retain their Shibumi like quality, instead of mindless chase for Winning. Winning without soul is actually a big loss not only for them, but for rest of the world for whom Brazil is the second home nation.

Now from two countries which I really want to visit, to two I do have firsthand knowledge, at least two some extent. I did spend a good % of my small salary in Bundesliga and Premier League tickets.

Germans even in the soccer field is known for their Mercedez Benz like efficiency, work ethics, strong mind and never say die spirit. They put in their 100 % even after the final whistle almost every time they step in to a soccer field. Their conversion rate (Strike rate) is just awesome. There is a sense of assuredness and infallibility about them. No wonder, when the likes of Greece and Spain is biting dust economically , they are still going strong. Compared to the times of Rumenigge, Voeller and Lothar Mathias , the likes of Mueller and Ozil adds that X factor of excitement over mere functionality. One point I have forgotten to mention is their ability to reinvent themselves and move forward with single pointed focus. Like they united a capitalist country with a communist one by breaking just the Berlin wall and not human beings. They have moved away from the time of Aryan Purity. Ethnical diversity of their country is fascinating story of sociology and rewriting history. You may be really surprised to know their playmaker Ozil is a muslim with a Turkish heritage. It was said that Adhol Hitler decreed that four German grandparents were necessary for German Citizenship. But now Germany is home to some 7 million migrants.

”It is interesting to note that of the 11 players not completely of German origin, eight are either strikers or attacking midfielders,” wrote Ciaran Cronin in Ireland’s Sunday Tribune. ”The German tradition of conservative, reliable footballers has been good enough to win three World Cups but the addition of the verve and vibrancy of the country’s immigrant folk could make them a different force entirely in the future.” Watch out BRIC, Germany is here to stay. Not only on playground but beyond it as well.

The last place is reserved for England, quite deservedly in my view. It was written on their team bus. Playing for Pride and glory. They should have added Past glory, vain pride living thru borrowed time. Even some 10 years back, it was evident to my untrained eyes, that here is one country which is eking its living out of their past loot from colonies. When family silver ( Harrods, Jaguar and Rolce Royce) is up for sale, that just reinforces my belief. There was a time when Sun never set on English empire. It seems that was too way back in the past. They have refused to see the current reality of the world and writing on the wall. Leave alone their toilet paper like tabloids, even if you read Guardian on Independent, you know how vain they are. During the last game against Germany, it was analyzed in FT that t Lukas Podolski, Germany’s outside-left, had hit a top speed of 31.5km an hour. His teammates Bastian Schweinsteiger, Mesut Özil and Thomas Müller all exceeded 25kph (15.5mph) and the English team stalwart John Terry was stuck at 21km. As FT writely wrote, Football has changed, England has not. The world has changed for the good, and English is still stuck in the past without any future. Or why else they will write about the performance of an English referee in an article about Brazil- Chile. Oh those  English !