CUP OF POSSIBILITIES

If one can turn to the Football World Cup itself overlooking the upcoming Champions League Final and the recent most transfer news of a possible World Cup superstar; the picture is becoming a little clearer about the tournament favourites. Did I just say that? Atleast JP Morgan tells us this story about how England are going to win the World Cup. Let us explore each continent and see who the strong contenders are.

The African contingent is led by the home nation South Africa who performed reasonably well in the Confederations Cup. Michael Essien's Ghana had a notable performance in Germany'06 and they will hope to continue their run. It would be foolish to neglect Ivory Coast who I believe are the strongest Africa side who can carry on the Safari Nation to knock-out rounds by eliminating one of the strong contenders in Group Stages.

South Korea? might have performed on big stage under Guus, but without him they do not have any might. Plus the usual fillers from Asia/Pacific are Ozzies and Black Caps.

Brazil? always to be taken seriously. There is plenty of skill, thrust and defensive solidarity in the side. Gilberto has re-invented himself in that defensive-mid role. Kaka, who has had a disappointing first season at Real Madrid remains one of the exciting midfielder's of modern game. And it should be no surprise Brazil's gameplan revolve around him and seek support from Man City exits Robinho, Elano and Luis Fabiano who has scored healthy amount of goals in La Liga. With Argentina, you can never be sure of what to expect. Boasting of a side which has World's best footballer in Messi and his explosive mentor-coach Maradona, they can make a huge difference in te tournament. There is abundant talent in the squad with likes of Tevez, Aguero and Mascherano; but they have only just qualified for the WC Finals. So keep guessing?

It seems to me that Dutch are "coming good" at exactly the right moment, above all in the shape of 3 major stars. And has it not always been said that great team must be built around three or four good players? Especially reassuring for the Dutch has been the recent return of incisive Arsenal forward, Robin van Persie. Our for over 5 months, he returned with a galvanising performance against Spurs in a losing cause. Arjen Robben and Wesley Sneijder have put inspired performances for their respective clubs and have been largely responsible for helping them reach Saturday's European Showdown @ Santiago Bernabeau. Holland should flourish. Spain still look the justifiable favourites though it remains to be seen whether the prolific strike force, elegant midfield and sturdy back-four can repeat their Euro 08 performance without M Senna. David Villa, Xavi, Alonso are fit and raring to go; If Torres, Fabregas can get over their injuries and with enough quality on subs bench; all the betting money should be in Spain's favor.

England? Unless their allies of World War II (USA) can spring surprise on them in their opening game, they should qualify easily for pre-quarters. But Capello's team still doesnt convince me. No obvious goal keeper - David James or Joe Hart?? Ashley Cole the only real gem in defence; although winning FA Cup might have given Terry huge relief and confidence to overcome media and public rant that he faced during the season. Wayne Rooney too coming back from a less serious injury will be a potent force to deal with for opponents. But again, where's the support? Will it be Defoe or Crouch? And the midfield dualism between Stevie G and Lampard is yet to be resolved at world stage for England. But atleast fast wingers aboard the plane to SA, Beckham wont be missed too much. Lennon has pace, Milner is good on both wings and in central area too. And Walcott waiting in the wings to be an impact sub. All in all, it still looks likey that England only upto Quarter Finals yet again?

Who will win the Jules Rimet trophy? Only time will tell. But what you can say is who do you think are your two most likely "beat me if you can teams" of this edition of the World Cup?

T20 drama unfolds

The 3rd edition of ICC T20 World Cup started on the backdrop of lavishly organised and scandal tainted Indian Premier League. Most of the players were up and ready to hit the ground straight away in the Caribbean.

The tournament started off with a low scoring last ball affair between Black Caps and the Lankans. Indians then played a double header on a weekend and showed some serious intent to regain back their "Champions" status; it proved merely a false indication and what followed was a disaster for MSD and his Men in Blue. Elsewhere, England sobbed over Duckworth and Lewis which was about to knock them out of the tournament and Australians just went about with their usual business and seemed very confident of T20 format this time round. At this stage, without any cupsets the strong teams entered the Super Six stage.

Tournament had already witnessed 2 centurions by now in S. Raina and M Jayawardene. India fell apart from here on and England were on upswing. South Africa choked yet again and New Zealand failed to make the cut which allowed lucky Pakis to make it to Final Four. On the other side, the rub of green was not favoring the Indians and they lost not only lost the spot in Semis but also lost the match to brilliance of Angelo Matthews. The battle lines were drawn - Sri Lanka vs England and Australia vs Pakistan.

In Semi Final 1, Stuart floored the Lankan batsmen with Broad smile and then Pietersen KO'ed them to underground. Semi Final 2 was antithesis of what was anticipated by many (it was supposed to be annihilation of Afridi's Survivors). We wished it was a final in many ways and Michael Hussey provided an enthralling finish to the game. Hats off to Mr. Total Cricketer.

Here comes the Finals. Ashes reignited. Winner takes it all. Just when I thought Collingwood's decision to bowl first would backfire, his Plan A worked. An inspired spell of bowling from Sidebottom, Bresnan, Swann restricted Aussies to a meagre total. The champagne was ordered in Buckingham Palace. Now, Kieswetter and KP just provided the final rites chasing the Oz target. Morgan ensured no more hiccups as they crossed the finish line. Memories of 1979, 1987 & 1992 WC Final and 2004 Champions Trophy were wiped out. England crowned as the T20 World Champions. Celebrations continued...

(Hope you all like my first attempt at writing something meaningful. I definitely a'int Robbo standards.)

The Changing Web-World

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