What an apt time to get back to my blogging. Been travelling (on holiday) and working on 14 -16 hour-days lately and just so into what I am doing in my career that I just could not find the time to write although somehow I seem to find the energy to write for a business publication.
Anyway, today seems like a good time to get started again. World Cup Day!
In about 3.5 hours from now, South Africa will take on Mexico in the opening match of the 2010 FIFA World Cup. A football tournament that is used as a calender baseline for many including me. I look at things happening in my life in terms of 4 year time-blocks...when the World Cup is held. I measure years in that format. Its football and its THE World Cup! There is nothing grander or more passion inducing than the World Cup. And, it is indeed a 'world' cup. Unlike the 'world' series and championship played in certain sports in a certain country. This is the mother of all 'world cups' baby!
The 2010 World Cup is so imbued with meanings and messages that even those who are not particularly big fans of the game have to take note of. Firstly, it is being held in South Africa and the African continent for the first time. The fact that it is being held in South Africa is a symbolic thing all on its own and that God has been kind enough to allow Mr. Nelson Mandela to witness it is another matter altogether. South Africa had hosted and won the Rugby World Cup; so gorgeously illustrated by Hollywood through Invictus. It has also hosted the Cricket World Cup. But, the FIFA World Cup is to me the one thing that will change the image of the rainbow nation and the African continent forever. This is the moment for the dark continent to rise and show the world that Man and civilization began there. It is ground zero for humanity. And the one truly global and democratic sport, football (or as some call it, soccer)is the best way to welcome Africa into 21st century and to remind the 21st century that Africa will carve its place now. I remember blogging some time ago that I think the next frontier in human capital and talent will be from Africa. This is the beginning.
Right, lets get back to the tournament it self. I am Argentinian when it comes to football. Maradona is to me in football what MJ was in music. Pure passion. Red hot energy. All human. This time he is the coach. Many have dismissed him and this team's chances. Well not me. In the study of history and its methodology there is a theory called the 'great man theory'. I believe Maradona, as a man, will take this team very, very far. He will not do it as the coach. But, as Diego he will and I hope his charges like Messi and Tevez have realized that they have been touched by the 'hand of god'. With a possible 3-4-4 formation, it is going to be both nerve wrecking and exciting for me to see how he is able to gel together what is undoubtedly one of the best set of players on earth into a tournament winning team.
Let the party begin and let us remember, at least for the next 30-days that there are indeed things on this earth that can bring us together. Things that can make us nod in appreciation when the 'enemy' shows something sublime. Football is one of those things.
As for tonight's match, I will be rooting for South Africa. I have always liked the Mexicans as for me they are one of the more talented teams around but for some strange reasons have developed their own invisible limits. The Bafana-Bafana will have my support tonight. A win will give South Africans a night to remember regardless of how they do for the rest of the tournament. A win will be good for South African wounds.
All the best Boys!
