Yesterday,
we finally had traditional powers, Brazil & Belgium, bucking the trend of
upsets at FIFA World Cup. While Brazil turned it around in the 2nd
half, Belgium managed to do this with just 15 seconds left of the added time. This
time, the heavyweights of the football world will remain in the shadows of memories.
What we
recall would be the speedy Mexicans outpacing & outscoring the Germans, or
Iceland defence, packed denser than an iceberg, puncturing the halo around Messi.
But Argentina has a knack of getting into such spots. Remember 1990, when the
defending champions lost to Cameroon in their opening fixture?
But this
post is not about Argentina’s World Cup woes. It is about those unheralded
teams & players who rose to glory during this once-in-four-years event. Like
Cameroon, guided by an ageing sub, Roger Milla, reaching the quarters in 1990. That
cup also saw the 2nd choice Argentine goalkeeper (another sub),
Sergio Goycochea, stopping spot kicks like never before (or after) to take his
team to the finals.
Not
just 1990 (or 2018), but the history of the World Cup is replete with such
upsets. Like North Korea defeating Italy in 1966. Or Nigeria reaching the knockout
stage at its first appearance in 1994. And USA defeating England (unbelievable
but its true) in 1950.
What makes
these teams & players punch above their weight, defying al predictions
& destroying reputations? The major reason, I believe, is an absence of any
expectations. Devoid of pressure to perform, they attempt & deliver their
best.
Then we
have the lack of fear or risk. A star footballer is always worried about the
injuries that he may pick up & plays it safe (a superstar footballer is more proactive, he feigns injuries!). But
for these little known ones, playing at this stage compensates several times a
few months of injury lay off. Thus, they go all out & give it their all which
reflects in the result.
Next,
is the joy they derive from the sport. They still are not the mercenaries of
the sporting world, they play for pride, passion & fun. A missed chance is
as good as a goal scored. Even in defeat, they are not heart broken.
Theirs
is not a David vs Goliath tale. They shine briefly before the big boys take
over. But in that short period, they leave behind indelible memories. And we
love them for this. For want of a better term, let’s call them Backbenchers.
Another
two weeks & the cup will be over. Or backbenchers will also disappear from
the screens only to reappear in repeat telecasts four years hence as a build-up
to the next World Cup.
But,
worry not… If you have some understanding of Gujarati, you may as well go &
watch the movie being released on 20th July – Backbenchers (brought
to you by Purple Wings Productions). And relive those good old days!!
(And till the movie is released, you have the above vdo)
Pic source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2018_FIFA_World_Cup
