Not Just A Hand of God

Cut to 1986. For the first time ever, a football World Cup was beamed live in India. For the tiring eyes who had to painstakingly watch Indian football, the Mexico World Cup brought some kind of a succour. There was an added bonus as well: Diego Mardona. The hero, the leader and a great team-man.

Maradona has a legion of admirers and a world full of doubters. His 'hand' still confuses many a football pundit over that controversial goal against England in Mexico. After watching him on the sidelines during Argentina's first two games as in World Cup, I wonder why he remains a great character. The pint-sized genius hasn't lost his qualities. He is a great motivator. A great guy who transponds energy to his teammates. Whenever Argentina scores, he jumps like a kid. He hugs everyone of his coaching staff and players. In him, we find a simple, down to earth persona which isn't fake.

What we saw of Argentina on Thursday was a reflection of Maradona's Argentina of yore. Rich in attacking variety. A master class in midfield creativity from Lionel Messi. Set piece surprises reflected an exciting Argentine cocktail of attacking flair at the World Cup. The sheer skills of their multifaceted attack reminded us of Argentina when Maradona played a game as a god.

About the most controversial goal in football history, Maradona once said: “I did it with hand of reason. It is like pick-pocketing the English and stealing a win.” This is Maradona. So even if England hates him, rest of the world adore his qualities. No wonder, millions and millions often vote him as the best in the trade. Because he is a leader. A terrific guy who is so passionate about football. There is tinge of a mercenary in him. So even Pele accuses him, he isn't bothered. Because he has a soul. A wonderful heart for football.

No wonder then, this generation gladly accepts him as the best footballer of the century. Because he is a rebel. A Che Guevera fan. A role model for any youngster. On the field and off it. He is no pretender. And that’s make him most endearing. If he dodged past his rivals defenders, he did that boldly and with a touch of class. More than his sublime skill, Maradona was known for his rebellious streak in him. When George Bush showed up in Argentina in 2005, the usual protests against him were led by Maradona. The little genius asked Argentines to march against the “human garbage” Bush.

Whether it was his 'Hand of God' goal or playing hide-and-seek with death (following his overdose of drugs), the Argentine still remains the best and most adorable footballer of our generation.

Korean Model and Indian Football

Watching Korea and Japan football teams at the World Cup, as Asians, we might as well think, where is India? Korea remain the most successful and consistent Asian teams at the World Cup while Japan's J-League started in 1993. In between these 17 years, they have played in four World Cups.

Indian football administrators need not organise a travel to Portugal or Spain to draw inspiration for our success-starved Indian team who are getting ready for the Asian Cup in January. We don't know the link between Asian Cup and European destinations. The best thing AIFF would have done was to take a cue from Korea and Japan. Let me tell you, both these teams including North Korea have a selfless approach to do something for football under their home-grown coaches.

As for us, we are still to start our preparation. The tentative plan to travel to Portugal (where the month-long camp would be held) is from June-end. India is going to play South Korea in Asian Cup at Doha. Is the six-month preparation good enough to challenge Korea, Australia and Bahrain in Asian Cup? This World Cup would have given our own football pundits a great opportunity to follow the Korean game. Are we really taking this task seriously? Have we ever thought of understanding Japan and Korea's football culture? Their strategy, planning and a dedicated approach. For the 'pundits' at AIFF, understanding the Korean model would require an iota of intelligence. It's not elementary arithmetic. It's like solving some tough algebraic equations or some geometrical theorems. And to understand mathematics, one has to study it and devote a lot of time.

As for Korea, the officials turned back to a home-grown coach in December 2007. They must have thought that the time was ripe to adapt the lessons learned from the Dutch while restoring a native influence to give the best of both worlds. As it turned out, Huh was the right man to do the job by building a balanced squad which is regarded as being by far the strongest ever Korean team in World Cup history.

Let me tell you who heads the technical committee of Korean football. Lee Hoe-Taik. He was the coach in 1990 where Korea slumped to defeats against Belgium, Spain and Uruguay. And after some failures to win a match in the next two World Cups by their home grown coaches, it was inevitable that the Koreans would turn to the experience and know how of foreign coaches. Understandably, after the learning process was over, the Koreans brought in their own experienced coaches at the helm.

One of the reasons why Huh could ring the changes so successfully in such a short period of time is that the he has considerable experience of World Cups. He participated at Mexico 1986 as a player where he faced Diego Maradona. He joined the national squad as a fitness trainer in 1990. Huh was then an assistant coach in 1994 where the Taeguk Warriors finally began to make an impact on the world stage with draws against Spain and Bolivia and a loss to Germany. Huh's loyal, determined character makes him different from the rest. He doesn't rests on his laurels.

Last week, Huh created a small piece of history by becoming the first Korean coach to win a World Cup match. Korea's fifth victory in World Cup did not only mark their third consecutive winning start in the event but also showed what they are capable of on their own.
Are we serious about our own football team? Sometimes, I get this gut feeling that we are running a fake show. Everything seems to be fake. Football promotions. Promise. Deliverance. Determination. How come these smaller nations are so good in football. There is definitely no short cut recipe for success. Hard work, determination and honesty have paid off for Korea, Japan and even for North Korea who have qualified after 1966. Why can't India have a good and a determined side?

I guess, AIFF and Bob Houghton would know better.