The Grand Stage Awaits, Certainly There are Some Good Omens

Germany is preparing for the greatest moments of sporting calender. the world is beginning to breathe the thoughts of a ball and a few people who give life to it. The beautiful game has been under the attack of a few dark elements, the money-power of a Russian oligarch. an acting and fouling school run by a Frenchman in London, some teachers who always tell "defend" to their disciples and a lot more. In Portugal, a great European Trophy went into the hands of a few people who never played but restricted others from playing. Victory was the only aim, in its path were spitted with blood of purists. Many simply wept, "Football is dead". But that is not the case always.

Good omen 1. The setting is Istambul, another pulsating final, a very defensive minded team turn more of that style after leading 3-0 at halftime. An inspiring captain turns the tide in his favour. 3-3 at regular time and victory in the shootout.

Good omen 2. The scene only had shifted to Cardiff, heroes and style the same, Much more attractive and free-flowing football this time, and some great goals to add to it.

Good omen 3. Paris the setting. Greatest night of European football. A team whose style of play is most time sluggish, except for the flash of genius of a Frenchman at times, and experts of the 0-0, 1-0, 0-0, 1-0 style, meets a group of artists from Catalunya. Again the man with the whistle turns blind and acts like a man out of sorts. Football being killed for much part of the game. Towards, the end, some magical refreshment, not a solo-effort of the Samaba magician, but team-work and persistent attack reaps goals. 0-1 turns to 2-1 in a flash. Celebrations for all the lovers of the beautiful game.

Yes. Certainly it is not a case of the dark cloud having a silver lining. The sun is coming out. Football is going back to somebody who likes to play the game, instead of killing it.