Sports & This'n'That

Since 2002, the once all-conquering Brazil football team has endured a depressingly long World Cup trophy drought.   Now under the tutelage of the Italian master tactician Carlo Ancelotti, Brazil has another opportunity to end their hoodoo in the World Cup later this year.   As is to be expected, doing so will not be a walk in the park for Brazil as there are loads of other quality teams who harbor ambitions of winning the holy grail of global football.   Thus, with Brazil and her rivals primed to go all out in an attempt to clinch the coveted  title, we should be in for a peach of a football championship.      

Image: Wikimedia Commons. Pele Celebrating 1970. Yesterday, the Brazilian widely revered as the greatest ever to play the beautiful game, Pele, tragically passed away to the utter dismay of millions in his native Brazil and around the globe. The greatly esteemed football icon sadly died at 82 from multiple organ failure with his family by his bedside. Despite the sorrow prompted by his demise, tributes have been pouring in from the great and good of global affairs, not just football, which demonstrates the massive impact that Pele had as a football maestro, who transcended the sport. Indeed, this roll-call of prominent individuals who have offered their condolences to Pele’s grieving family include the incumbent US President Joe Biden as well as erstwhile American presidents, such as Bill Clinton and Barack Obama. At the end of the day though, it will be Pele’s limitless potential and mesmerizing artistry that will doubtlessly stand the test of time. Affectionately dubbed the...

It is a truism that in the pulse-racing realm of football Brazil is a team, which definitely don’t need any introduction. Indeed, the Selecao have dominated the sport’s most prestigious championship, the World Cup as their record five trophies so clearly demonstrate. This year, Brazil venture forth into the World Cup as perennial favorites due to their star-studded squad, which includes such football greats like Neymar, Rodrygo and Vinicius Junior among others. The aforesaid trio form the Selecao’s threatening forward line and great things are expected of them precisely because of how insanely skillful they all are. That notwithstanding, though, Brazil are certain to face stiff competition from other traditional heavyweights such as Argentina, Belgium and France among a few others. Indeed, Brazil is unquestionably a sterling side on paper. Still, whether they can transform their abundant potential into successful results is an open question, which will be thrillingly and exci...