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The Greatest Show on Earth by Matthew Harrington, Radio Sport 927 May 31, 2002 The Greatest Show on Earth begins tonight. Yes that's right it's been four years since the last time we went to bed early, to wake up to our alarms in pitch black to watch the strongest soccer nations fight for the World Cup. The month-long competition, which brings together the best 32 nations, is undoubtably the biggest sporting event around the globe. It's bigger than the Olympics. That's hard to believe, but it's true. More people watch, gamble and take interest in FIFA's World Cup than any other single sporting event. Soccer is truly the only global team game. Cricket, other codes of football, and basketball just doesn't compare to the fever surrounding ``the world game''. Soccer is not a sport in other countries, it's a religion. The hype surrounding Asia's first World Cup, is reaching fever pitch with Japan and Korea co-hosting the 64-game tournament,. Expect that built up emotion and desire to explode after tonight's Opening Ceremony, when France begins its title defence against first-timers Senegal. Each country has earned the right to contest the World Cup finals after winning their position during the past 18 months in the qualifying rounds. Legends can be made in the blink of an eye-lid on this stage, or villains born in much less time. This is not just a tournament, it is THE tournament. What will be the next immortal World Cup moment? Just thinking about it is enough to have any loving sports fan drooling with anticipation. Moments of this Cup promise to be priceless, just think about previous World Cups. Who could forget the hand of god, the day the world's best player, Deigo Maradona, cheated his way into World Cup glory and infamy. Or how about when David Beckham felt the irk of a nation after being given a red-card for a hot-headed act, of kicking an opponent, which contributed to England's early exit from France '98. Still on 1998, what about the saga which surrounded Brazil before the final against the host-nation, France. As the story goes the Brazilin team voted that they wouldn't take to the field unless their star team-mate, Ronaldo, took his place in the starting 11, even though there where strong doubts over his fitness. His performance was below his lofty standards, and they lost 3-0. Even if that is not entirely true, it's well and truly embedded in World Cup folklore. Pele made his name on this stage, as did Frenchman Zinedine Zidane when he scored twice in front of his home crowd in the '98 final. It's an exciting dawn as we wait to see what drama will unfold, and who will rise or fall under the glare of the masses. This is the big time. The World Cup is so out of control in other countries, it's sometimes a matter of life and death. After USA '94 Colombian defender Andreas Escobar, who had scored an own goal during a 2-1 loss to the host nation, was shot 12 times in a restaurant car park in his home town. It is believed he was gunned down by a hit-man hired by a gambler who had lost money on the result. It is this unfathomable insanity, which surrounds the game that we struggle to understand. But that's how serious people take this game. Japanese and Korean authorities are on full alert with violence and football going hand in hand, all too often. We can only hope this tournament will be incident free Fortunately for Australians, the World Cup is finally in our time zone. No more alarms and interrupted sleep patterns, as this time we'll be watching the tournament in prime-time. Sit and back and take it all in, as a new chapter in World Cup history unfolds before your eyes. Marvel at the skill, feel the heartache and despair, and rejoice in the glory over the next month. The Greatest Show on Earth is rolling into town. Bring on that first whistle. Balls and All's Crystal Ball reveals….. Finalists: Spain and Argentina Cup Highlight: Cameroon's excessive showboating during play and after scoring on their way to the quarterfinals. Flop of the tournament: France. The defending champions looked a shadow of their former selves not making it past the round of 16. Surprise: In a major shock, Costa Rica tops Group C ahead of the highly fancied Brazil and Turkey. Rising into the stratosphere: Marc Wilmots (Belgium). This 33-year-old had a strong reputation (he's known as Mr 1000 Volts because of his electrifying play) before the tournament, but now he will be known for his deeds on the World's biggest stage. He took his game to a new level, carrying his homeland through the Group stage and to the quarter-finals with his deft passing, and scoring ability. Balls and All.....this month • The Greatest Show on Earth Matt Harrington, 23 May 2002 • Mind Games Matt Harrington, 23 May 2002 • Racing's New Frontier Matt Harrington, 23 May 2002 • Defining Moment Matt Harrington, 23 May 2002 • The Sleeping Giant Matt Harrington, 23 May 2002 • Unfulfilled Potential Matt Harrington, 21 May 2002 • Time To Act Matt Harrington, 16 May 2002 • Football, Witchcraft and Flying Saucers Matt Harrington, 9 May 2002 • Changing Dimensions Matt Harrington, 3 May 2002 | |||
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