Ready to Rock in RIO
CHENNAI: J M Fernando, Treasurer, Tamil Nadu Olympics Association and Secretary of Hindustan Eagles FC
The teams of Groups D, F and G are going to have the toughest challenge as most of them are strong. In Group E, France is the only team that has won the World Cup before and is likely to sail through easily. Of the four teams that have made it from Asia, Korea appears to be the strongest. While Brazil is everyone’s favourite, Italy, Spain and France seem to be equally good. Our club is planning to hold a ‘curtain raiser’ programme on June 7 at the Nehru stadium prior to the commencement of the world cup with quizzes and exhibition matches
Robin Charles, A-licensed Football Coach
While it is the same players with the same skills that play every time, it is the tactics of the coaches that add attraction to the game. I will be on the lookout for the new techniques employed by coaches. The top four teams according to me are Brazil, Spain, Italy and Argentina. But an underdog can also spring a surprise. An interesting prospect will be to see who can tame the lion (Brazil) in its den
S Anandan, General Secretary, Chennai District Carrom Association
Football is a game that gives happiness to all. Even those who don’t understand the rudiments of the game can enjoy it. Most foreign league matches are telecast at night and I stay up till 4 am to watch them. I have grown up watching Pele and have always been a supporter of Brazil. Brazil produces at least one highly talented player every World Cup. People will be watching keenly to know who it is this time. Italy, France and Portugal are strong contenders
R Amuthavanan, treasurer, Chennai District Carrom Association and former goalkeeper who has represented Don Bosco and Tomco
I expect Brazil and Argentina to reach the finals. My son and daughter are crazy about Lionel Messi and have bought T-shirts of Argentina and Brazil. I always make time to follow even the prelims, and will definitely not miss any of the World Cup action
Noel Mathew Sam, Development Officer, Tamil Nadu Rugby Football Association
There is going to be tough competition between Brazil and Germany. Both the teams are fielding new players this time. Let’s wait and see who gets the better of whom
B Ravikumar David, General Secretary, Tamil Nadu Football Association
No event in the world can ever match up to the FIFA World Cup. It is the world’s greatest entertainment show. Recently I had the opportunity to visit the Maracana stadium in Rio de Janeiro and the Brazil Football Confederation. Preparations are done and I can tell you that this World Cup is going to create a global fever for sure. All eyes will be on Neymar, the most focused player this time
Shivani Mehta, Student, Women’s Christian College
I am excited that after many years the FIFA World Cup is being held in Brazil. I have paid an extra `60 to get the ESPN channel. I am kicked about watching Messi take the field. I’ll sleep in the afternoon so that I can keep awake at night to catch up with all the action
M V Viswanathan, IT professional
Brazil have a very young team and have the home advantage. But I am vouching for Germany which has a very talented attacking squad. Groups D and G have very strong teams and I am looking forward to the close contest among them
Jithin Jacob Mathew, CA student
I am a big supporter of Germany and want then to win. While in club football individual skills stand out, in the World Cup it is the team effort that is worth watching. The problem in Chennai is that there are only two sports clubs and they are far from where I stay. But I am looking forward to hanging out at Dominos, Café Coffee Day and other such joints along with friends in order to enjoy the matches