$oCcEr...........all da waY....................!!!!!!!!!!

GoOooAaaaAaAaAaL!!!!!!!!!!!

You must have heard it “n” (make it “m” in case of India) number of times especially when the Brazilians, better known as Samba boys play the world’s most beautiful game i.e.Soccer.Well it is just not an attractive way of celebration,or a marketing move by the boards to promote their sport (read:unlike other sports).This cry is full of passion,energy,jubilation,emotion……I could go on and on……J.This is what defines the sport in all its entirety and the people associated with it.

Soccer Gyaan:

Soccer……there could be myriad reasons why this is the “most popular sport in the whole wide world”[Disclaimer: Ignore the above line at your own risk……instead ask why is it so popular………and the latter is not www as in internet protocol] and I’m sure even the universe for that matter [I can’t picture aliens playing cricket in Mars and cheering for a six].My journey with this beautiful sport started back in the “Summer of 99” and not 69 during the Cricket World Cup in England…..ironical?????I like any other young Indian boy was always unconsciously hooked onto the religious sport of cricket until this fortunate summer where the sporty eye had been finally awakened.

I have to confess it does take time to understand the intricacies of any sport and be passionate about it.One definitely cannot force himself to like a sport or be coerced to do so. Gradually I got myself into the mode and “cycle” of loving soccer year in year out.

Well if you thought the World Cup was exhiliharating….you ain’t seen nothing yet. There is so much variety for a soccer lover even within the sport itself. On an International Domestic [another oxymoron] level you can choose between The English Premier League, The La Liga[Spain],Seria A[Italy]…….each having its own distinct style of play. On a European front The UEFA Champions League is strongly recommended where in the top clubs of the countries compete on a common platform exhibiting their different styles of play.

Ask any soccer fan, of any club for that matter, and he/she shall literally squash your notion that the game is only about that one moment of brilliance when the goal is scored. There’s so much more to the game than that and can only be understood once you start watching the game yourself.

Am not writing any more as I have to get back to my clan of soccer maniacs…..but if you want to know any more about the game and its peripherals do write back….shall be more than glad to help you peep into this side of the world.

1st Lesson:Manchester United is not the only club in the world and David Beckham and Ronaldo are not the only soccer players born……J

~Gunner for Life~

Hey Rockstars…..well I’m a hardcore ardent Gunner [Arsenal fan:for readers of the above para].They definitely play the most beautiful soccer in all of Europe and die hard fans of other clubs also do agree to that.What initially attracted me to their game was their swift one-touch style of passing,their counter attacks and definitely the passion for the sport and the club as a whole.

The USP or the distinct feature of this club I believe is that unlike other European top flight clubs the Gunners do not buy and recruit big names[read: Chelsea] and win trophies there on based on their sheer proved brilliance. We purchase unknown budding youngsters who fit into the Arsenal style of soccer and then are developed to become the biggest names in Europe. Some of them being Dennis Begkamp,Thierry Henry, Patrick Viera…….in the coming future I’m sure that Cesc Fabregas shall also feature in this list.The maximum credit for this must be attributed to the Coach,The Proffesor Mr.Arsene Wenger……he’s a true rockstar man…….:)

Every year I set out on an excellent journey as the Premiership unfolds.I have friends [read krazy Maniacs with a capital M] who support their respective clubs especially Manchester United and Chelsea and its really great to fight it out with them carrying on from where the players left at the soccer field.

I respect Man U,Chelsea and Liverpool as clubs for their history and the passion with which they play.But Manchester fans don’t just rejoice in the high number of “Devil” following you people have.As per my experience youngsters who don’t know S about Soccer when asked will say they are Manchester fans simply because that’s the only name they have heard….especially popularized by the treble in 99.

Barcelona is another club which I root for….as they play a similar style of soccer as Arsenal….very exciting and entertaining.

Do get back all you soccer fans irrespective of your club choices…..it’ll be great to know you maniacs…………..:)