The tale of the 2014 FIFA World Cup

The 2014 FIFA world cup started four weeks ago amidst lot of speculations about the home team’s chances as well as that of other neighbouring Latin American teams as the world cup was being held in the Latin American continent for the first time in 20 years. Since the late 1990s, the world of football has seen a rise of the European teams and at the same time, the fall of those of Latin America.

2002 was the last moment of triumph for Brazil as well as of the other Latin American teams following which the world witnessed the rise and further rise of European football. Both the last two world cups witnessed all-European finals – another confirmation of European supremacy. This supremacy, however, has been put to test for the first time when the grandest festival of world football is being held in Brazil. The American countries’ hopes and expectations are higher than it has been in a long time.Fifa-World-Cup-Brazil-20141

The expectations seemed set to meet reality soon, when the reigning world champions, Spain, eventually had to bow out before reaching the second round. The world cup, however continued into the second round and the quarter finals with a good measure of both European and Latin American teams making it to the last 8.

The final four consisted of two Europeans and two American teams contesting for the final. The prospect of a Brazil-Argentina final loomed large as millions of fans of both teams held their breath to see their team face their biggest rivals in the biggest match of world football.

Not only did Brazil lose their semi final to Germany, it also ended their long time dream, the dream of tasting glory in their backyard. It also sent them miles back in their journey of reclaiming the crown of world football from the Europeans. Germany, always the dark horse in major football competitions, now looks like a serious contender in future tournaments, and definitely the favourite for the final.

Amidst this, there is still a ray of hope for the Latin American football and their fans as the other stalwart from the continent, Argentina, has made their way into the final to face Germany. If they manage to win, Latin American football will get back what they lost two decades ago. If not, this is just the start of another phase of ‘rise and further rise of European football’.

Photo: Internet

Tapobon Mitra

1st, M.A. Mass Communication

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