Football

I do not know what’s so special about the sport which has 22 players fighting over a single ball. But I can tell you so much....

It’s more interesting than any other game.

Once I start seeing a live football match on TV, I stay on that channel until the match is over and sometimes till the analysis is done. I guess I like football so much because it’s a really fast game and the skills which can be exhibited by some players are just mind boggling. And teamwork among talented individuals is clearly seen on the pitch in football more prominently than in any other sports.

I remember the match played in this season's champions league between Barcelona and Chelsea, where Ronaldinho scored an absolute beauty. He was on the edge of the penalty box with about 3 defenders and the goalkeeper right before him and he sort of did a jig. Yes, He danced around the ball and then curled it in from an incredible angle for one of the best goals I have ever seen. Other goals which come to mind are the Maradona goal of the century against England in the WC of 1986 and “The Free kick” scored by Roberto Carlos in a friendly against France.

So I guess football is more exciting and the action never actually stops and you have the added attraction of not having a succession of commercial breaks between the match. Added to this is the fact that you do not need much equipment to play the game ala cricket, hockey et al, all you need is a ball and you can start. The fact that the whole thing is over within two hours rather than going on for half a day is an added attraction. For a game with such a huge popularity, it’s surprising that its so simple and does not require complicated scientific equipment.