The games are over, the battle is won. Italy are now crowned kings of the world - at least for the next four years. The French team were downcast, beaten on a penalty shoot-out, their captain dismissed because of a violent indiscretion. Talk of provocation on his behalf. An accusation that personal insults were levelled at Zidane from an Italian defender, something to do with his family. If that be the case, then it would be quite understandable that he would get upset. But there is a school of thought that he should have been more professional than to be provoked in such a way. Now the games are really over. Soccer's world stage is being dismantled for another four years. What does it mean to the fans? At this point, probably nothing! The only sure thing is that South Africa, as hosts, are the only country to have a place in the next tournament. Interest in soccer generally throughout the world never diminishes. There are many leagues that captivate their audiences. Teams - and players - are adored like gods. It is a major way of life for a very great percentage of the general public. Their team becomes the focal point of their lives at weekends or midweek if depending on fixtures. The "bonus" of a World Cup is really just another game for the real supporter. It is a chance to yell for their national team in the hope that perhaps they might emulate Italy or any of the previous winners of the trophy. It is probably true, however, to say that it is more important that a supporter's local team back home does well for them than the national side. It is the bread and butter game and the hope of glory that brings these fans back again and again every week. An added interest for the soccer fan would be the qualification of the national sides for their "regional" trophies that take place in the gap between World Cup competition. The qualification rounds for the European Championships and the Asia Championships start in a very short space of time. Although there will be some interest, this will nevertheless be minimal until they see whether their national side reaches their final stages. We are inundated with soccer as a world spectacle, understandably so, because of its enormous popularity. Therefore, the icing on the cake for many folk in this incredible sport, is not so much a world trophy for their national team, but an international trophy for their local favourites. Vast amounts of money and prestige are heaped on the teams who succeed in the Continental competitions that continue year after year and, if your team is fortunate, they may even make it to a World Club Championship. The financial implications are enormous. Whether a side qualifies say for a European competition can often depend on how the team is going to be run the following season. Sponsorships are won and lost on the outcome of final league placings at the end of a domestic season. Even the most famous clubs may lose incredible amounts of money because of a decline in form. |
