The boys who reside in my heart...

 ...and many more!

===================================

by PAM

TGIF! 

The week has been incredible... challenging for the most part at work, but there are a lot of things that deserved to be celebrated, too.  I guess that the more challenging things are, the sweeter 'victory' tastes when it's achieved... regardless whether it's fully or partially achieved, actually achieved or merely imagined.  After all, 'victory is a state of mind', according to a World Cup-related social media post where Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo are featured. I think that, for our sanity, we should always look at the bright side... of course, with our eyes wide open, too, to see the gloomy side.  When we focus on the bright side, it is easier to imagine how to extend the brightness to lighten the gloomy side.  When we see the big picture, there is always a way to do this.  When we see none, there is also such thing as 're-thinking priorities'... and 'regrouping' to plan the next best strategy.

Whatever it is... the week is over, and it's time to loosen up a bit... or, a lot!  

***

The bright side       

I had three critical meetings and an important webinar this week that went so well.  Questions in my head were answered, things that were vague were clarified; and new possibilities rose in the horizon, and, boy, don't they look amazing!  I have yet to figure out a lot of things still, and the work does not get easier... but it gets interesting - very interesting... and exciting!

But what is truly interesting and exciting was a message that I received from my youngest sister.  She sent me and our sisters photos of the art works of my nephew - the eldest of her two kids, and that boy who resides in a huge space in my heart.  Let's just call him "LA".  He is now in the first grade at the Ateneo de Manila Grade School where his own father studied, too.  He obtained straight A's in the first quarter of the School Year (SY), and we are, indeed, very proud of him!  He has always loved Mathematics since he started schooling at age 3 years... but his Mom and Dad have been doing a great job motivating him to give all subjects equal attention.  So far, so good.  But what is amazing is how he has been doing so well in his Arts subject, too!  Obviously he has such rich imagination and terrific creativity.  

LA celebrated his 7th birthday last month,
went trick-or-treating as Batman for the first time after two years
since the pandemic, and have been showing excellent job
in his art works (photos 1 to 4, clockwise starting
at the upper left hand side) besides Math and Science.  

LA is a gamer - a very good one!  Hehe...  His parents (and us, aunties) let him play because we see him gaining confidence in talking to people, suggesting creative solutions to practical problems, and strategizing to master his school works the way he tries to master his games.  His mind is fast developing to a tactical mind... strategic and naturally a problem solver.  I like that because my fervent hope is that he becomes an engineer like, uhm, ahem, yours truly (and his Dad, too, actually!).  Hahaha... I am okay that I don have kids of my own, but I cannot deny that I often wish that one of my nephews and nieces would become an engineer someday.  All are grown-up now... except LA and his younger sister.  So, my hope is alive and well!  Hehe...  #meddlingauntie mode.

Anyway, sometimes, we see LA playing online with teenage gamers as well as older gamers (including my brother-in-law, actually)... and he manages to win!  Unlike other kids, he does know when it is time to study... and to babysit her little sister, or entertain adoring aunties and uncles, and his doting grandparents!  When I got sick last year, he set aside time to pray for my recovery everyday.  His Mom would message me, and there was always a video greeting from him... always telling me how much he loved me, and that I should eat well to get well soon.  And that gave me the biggest reason to keep fighting for my life.  With God's grace, I did survive... and that deepened my love for this boy.  In a way, I owe him my life now... of course, along with other family members... and the fabulous doctors in my University.

If there is another young man that I adore more than JK (the son that I never had), it will definitely be my dearest LA - I love him to bits, and I will always do.  He speaks in almost the same manner as JK... with sweetness and in such adorable voice. I have another nephew that I love fervently, too - JPM.  He is tall, sporty, and a very good-looking young man... like JK, too, of course.  Hahaha...  but I think that he (and his girlfriend) will totally cringe if I feature him in this little blog of mine.  Hahaha...

***

'Offside'

In football, 'offside' is one of those things that we, fans, always debate about (with the referees!  Hehehe...)!  It is probably because, most often, decisions in football matches related to the offside rule tilt the favor (or odds, depending on whether you are in the losing or winning team) of the game... and often critical to winning or losing.  

So, JK has been working on the soundtrack of the FIFA World Cup 2022 (WC2022) hosted by Qatar.  He has been working on the Opening Ceremony performance on 20 November 2022 as well. Of course, there have been many issues on the supposed 'unsuitability' of Qatar to host the "Mecca of Football" that is the World Cup, in which 32 of

JK, on his way to Qatar, in preparation
for his performance at the FIFA WC2022

 the best of the best teams from about a hundred national teams advance to compete for the pride of taking home and keeping the 'holy grail' of football for four years.  People bring up Qatar's alleged human rights violations and its aversion to diversity and inclusion. I do believe that that is fair.  When something is questionable, by all means, queries must be raised and answers have to be pursued until provided, and with accuracy and clarity, too - whole truth, and nothing but the truth.  

However, the WC2022 is about football though.  The players work on the mastery of their skills in painstaking discipline and commitment as professional footballers just to be able to have the rarest chance of representing their respective countries in their lifetime in this awesome event!  Many living legends of football, such as Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, no matter how mesmerizingly successful they are in the football clubs where they play and played, cannot be fully considered by some passionate football fans to be 'complete' legendary footballers because they have not won the World Cup yet. And, we, football fans always look forward to watching our favorite teams and these legends of the 'beautiful game' to compete in the biggest football stage in the world... and when our teams do not win, we wait for the next four years to get yet another chance.... and the next three years and 11 months will be a long and painful build-up to the next World Cup!  

In any case, win or lose, we enjoy the process of seeing the countries come together... chant and cheer - united as one in the spirit of sportsmanship, if that is the only remaining set of virtues that this world has.  So, to disrupt this beautiful process due to political agenda is just very, very disappointing.  I believe that not everything should be turned to politics and global gatherings a venue to push for personal beliefs and agenda.  That leaves us with no space to breathe... and just enjoy life, and each other's company - as human beings... say, in this case, human beings that are enjoying the 'beautiful game' that we love. We can promote awareness of our cause while enjoying the game and observing mutual respect... but we do not need to turn it to an impassioned 'crusade' at the World Cup.  It's too stressful, and it takes away focus on the 'beautiful game'... and miss the chance of coming together peacefully, learning about each other and from each other.  Then again, that just goes to show how important the World Cup is.  People choose it as a venue to express passionate advocacy.

These days, many ARMYs (or people pretending to be ARMYs to breach this powerful fandom?) are guilty of violating the 'offside rule' in fandom etiquette

'Dreamers', soundtrack of the FIFA WC2022

as they publicly lambast JK for moving forward in his performance at the WC2022 Opening Ceremony.  I imagine it must be very toxic for JK... that can gnaw on his mental health. They compare him with artist/s who supposedly declined the invitation to perform, citing Qatar's Human Rights record in their press releases.  Everybody is entitled to his/her own opinion, of course.  And yet, this/these artist/s and the many critics of the World Cup 2022 come/s from and perform/s in countries where people are abused, disrespected and/or treated unfairly on a regular basis, if not everyday, due to the color of their skin, their gender, and/or their ethnicity, or due to the social class in their society where they 'belong' that is perceived to be inferior compared with others'.  I'm sorry, but I find the actions and the justifications to be contradicting. If we don't try to reach out to one another in peace and without judgment, cross the understanding divide and extend a hand in peace, and influence each other positively - through our reconciliatory actions, professions and/or artistry, how do we achieve harmony, peace and mutual respect?  As a football fan for decades now, for me, the World Cup is one of the global events where I can feel optimistic about us, humans.  The passion shown by the players and their coaches, their impressive skills that are mastered through hard work, the unbreakable determination to bring honor to one's country through strategy and innovation, teamwork, humor - lots of humor and camaraderie among fans and players... there are so many uplifting and inspiring things that can only be found and experienced at the World Cup.

And so, I applaud JK for his courage to 'walk the talk' in his (and his brothers' at BTS) commitment to make this world a better place - where people are united as one - through music.  Consistent to his values and his adherence to mutual respect, he did not retaliate in any way to his detractors and haters, nor did the smile on his face was wiped out by disappointment or rejection.  He 'turned the other cheek'... and just went on, and tried to create a beautiful music that he, obviously hopes others would appreciate - for its worth and message, and not for anything else. 

And so, I wait, in great anticipation of the release of his song, 'Dreamers'.  I have no doubt that it will be awesome because that's just the way he does things, the BTS way: the very best... or nothing at all!

***

Image credit:  (1) The collage of photos belong to my sister, borrowed just for this post. (2) JK, on his way to Qatar - borrowed from Big Hit IG account.  (3) As an update to this post on 19 Nov 2022, the 'Dreamers' poster is borrowed from the Big Hit IG account - thanks for the loan.

***

Farewell...

...to the 'Total Football' master.
=====================================================================
by PAM


It does look like I've been ignoring football for quite sometime now, and it's perfectly understandable that people assumed I have 'abandoned' my love for the 'beautiful game'. None of it is true, of course.  I have been paying attention.  I just couldn't find the time to show my appreciation here as I used to.  I do admit that, over the last year or so, I have been usually a step behind.  It's unacceptable, I know... but, under the circumstances, I'm afraid I was left with very little choice.

***
The legend of Johan Cruyff

But, I digress... this post is not about me.  It's about the great Oranje who wore the number 14 shirt, Johan Cruyff... the late Johan Cruyff, that is.  He passed on yesterday after losing his bout with lung cancer.  He was 68 years old.  

It does bite some to refer to the great footballer, who had a strong presence in and out of the pitch, in the past tense.  It does make one sadly realize of how huge a void he's left in the face of the 'beautiful game'.  What's even sadder is to realize that, despite the rich pool of talents the game has now, no one will ever be of as grand of character and daring as the master himself to fill that void.

The legend of the fearless knight of the 'beautiful game' who wore the #14 shirt
on the pitch for the Oranje.

Johan Cruyff was not only a brilliant footballer, he was a legendary strategist for the game as a coach/manager, and his leadership was, indeed, worth emulating.  Sure, he can be too daring at times, crossing the fine line between fierceness and arrogance, but it was all a part of the whole 'package'.  It takes even a bolder attempt for brilliance to avoid the rough patches in the Cruyff persona when one emulates him... and that's where the greatness of his 'students' in the game, such as Pep Guardiola, lies.  They recognize the flaws, and avoid them... and Cruyff did not mind as he took pride in the gained wisdom of his 'students'. 

***
Brilliance that pulls like gravity    

As I was a mere toddler in the early '70s when Cruyff was 'flying high' as an Oranje, I gotta admit I knew very little about him before.  Football news that reached the Philippines in the '80s and '90s were dominated by Diego Maradona (due to his World Cup fame) and David Beckham (as English Premier League's biggest star), respectively.  And, since Maradona was briefly under the Cruyff coaching days in Barcelona, there were a few mention of the legendary Barça coach.  However, Pep Guardiola adored him like Cruyff was his "football creator"... like a new vampire's "creator", that is.  And because I have humongous respect for Pep, anybody he adored, I believe was worth knowing.  And so, in the early 2000s, when Pep was on his way to his own legendary tenure as Barça's coach, I did my very best to know as much as possible about Cruyff... and I never looked back since then.   I found that his brilliance was like gravity... it just pulls you in - especially, his famous "Cruyff turn".

The Master:  Total Football personified.

  
At some point, while watching a footage of his best runs, so daring as he shunned opponents, darting to the goal in laser precision, with the ball seemingly glued to his foot, long hair flying, I thought it gave one a glimpse of a young Lionel Messi... doing exactly the same as a 17-year-old Barça forward.  And, as I watched his famous "Cruyff turn", which he executed as he eyed an "opening" to the goal while dribbling, getting rid of the defenders that swarmed him as he changed direction towards the opening, I thought it was a preview of a Xavi Hernandez patent move as he creates a play for his team... and even a move by Pep himself.  The surprise attack when it's least expected by the opponents that Andrés Iniesta is famous for, winning Spain their first World Cup in 2010, is a part of the Cruyff arsenal, too.  Wouldn't you believe it?

***
His true legacy in the 'beautiful game'   

Indeed, there are a number of Barça players who, while legends in their own right, are 'Cruyff iterations' in a way.  This is partly because of his coaching days in Barça where he nurtured young talents, such as Pep, to find their greatest strengths, polished them, and taught them to use these strengths to make the sum of an arsenal of strengths for their Team.  This is the fundamental of "Total Football" v. Cruyff.  It was all about fluidity of movements, the adaptability to any situation

Legends:  The Master and the Student.
(Photo credit: www.taringa.net.  Thanks.)

in the field by all players.  As such, it requires versatility among players, the ability to take on any role that an unfolding scenario calls for... keeping the integrity of their tactical approach at all times, and successfully executing it to secure a win.


Cruyff, being a versatile player, who had the speed, stamina and eye for goal opportunities was Total Football personified.  He was in possession of a complete arsenal of talents, the utter fearlessness to use all of them, and the sharp feel for the flow of game that gave him the sense to know when to use which talent.  These allowed him to move about a lot in the field, exploiting weaknesses of the opponents, or effectively creating damage in areas of strength of his side's opponent to make opportunities elsewhere.  Indeed, he was a real genius of the beautiful game, and the fluidity of his movement on the pitch made him so awesome to watch, too.  This brought so much success to his Dutch side, Oranje, in the world stage of football, and tremendous glory to his domestic side, Ajax, during his tenure with them in the #14 shirt.

Later, as forward in Barça in the #9 shirt, he helped his side win La Liga in the 1973-1974 season after an epic transfer from Ajax.  The Catalan side won the trophy after more than a decade of drought.  He also helped  Barça win Copa del Rey in the 1977-1978 season, showcasing his unforgettable "phantom goal" - while on a sprint for the ball that was going wide, he broke his speed, shooting up to a jump that doubled his height, going almost horizontal while on air, kicking with fully stretched legs and catching the ball with his right heel to put it in the goal.  All of these happening in a second, too awesome!  As the Catalonia was undergoing a tumultuous political upheaval that time, Barça's good form on the pitch was a source of strength and joy for the region... and Cruyff was in the center of it all, making him Catalonia's favorite 'adopted son'.

During his tenure as Barça Coach/Manager for eight seasons, he formed his "Dream Team", with Pep Guardiola at the center of it all as midfielder.  They won the La Liga four times,

La Masia: A succession plan that works.
(Photo credit: www.fcbarcelona.com.  Thanks.)

the European Cup once, the UEFA Super Cup once, and the UEFA Cup Winners' Cup once while reaching the final twice.  He also guided Barça to the UEFA Champions League final once.  Overall, he won 11 trophies for Barça, making him the most successful Head Coach/Manager of Barça that time.  More than the wins that he and his "Dream Team" brought to the Catalan side, he was most proud of how much the fans of the beautiful game appreciated the beautiful "Total Football" played by Barça under his leadership.  As Catalonia continued to experience political tremors that time, the Catalan side, was the regions biggest source of pride and joy, making FC Barcelona 'more than a club' to them. 

While his years as player and manager were marked with many milestones, his tenure as manager in Barcelona was, by far, of most lasting impact.  The FC Barcelona Youth Academy, La Masia, was his brain child.  It was this Academy that nurtured to greatness raw talents like Lionel Messi, Xavi Hernandez, Andres Iniesta, Sergio Busquets... and even Pep Guardiola himself.  The Academy churned fresh addition to the Barça side, with the Total Football philosophy and its many variants and iterations ingrained in their playing styles, while allowing them to develop their own unique strengths to become 'special' players of the beautiful game.

With the Youth Academy in place, there is very little doubt that FC Barcelona may maintain their good form with a "succession plan" that works.

***
Moving forward without the Master

With his invaluable contributions to the continuous development of the 'beautiful game', the Total Football Master will be terribly missed.  And yet, his legacy will continue to inspire new generations of players to keep the beauty in the game that is so loved by a multitude of 'devotees' in the world.  

Therefore, the game will move forward without him.  Inspired by his legacy, it will, however, keep turning a new leaf and will continuously flourish to a greater beauty each time.

Rest in peace, Johan Cruyff.

***
Video Credit:  Thanks, YouTube, for the video links.

***

Second treble on the table... and, they took it!

And, I saw them do it - live!  Visca, el Barça! 
============================================================
by PAM


I have been feeling really frustrated to have kept missing the UEFA Champions League matches this season.  In fact, my last post here on the Champions League was published on August 2013!  It's that bad.  

I know that there are trade-offs in the choices we make in our lives, but two years of not being able to watch a full match in the Champions League has been gnawing on my sanity!  Too much work... just too-too much!  It used to be worth it... but, without time to refresh my mind by indulging my (justified) hunger for great fun, adrenaline rush and tactical thinking through a healthy dose of the 'beautiful game' is 'killing me'... seriously!  OK, perhaps following the Spanish La Liga and the English Premier League, too, is a luxury, considering the choice I made two-and-a-half years ago... but missing the Champions League for two years??  OK, that's like sacrilege for a football fan!  

Football fan or not, I think we all deserve some time to have a little fun - even if only for health and sanity's sake.   


***
Putting my foot down... gotta watch the final!

Sooo, before losing it, I put my foot down and decided to mark my calendar and cancel anything else that coincided with the Champions League final in Berlin... especially that the final is between my favorite Club, FC Barcelona (o, yeah!), and Juventus FC!  As it turned out, I didn't have to cancel anything because the match airs live via cable on a Sunday at 2:30 a.m., Manila time.  So, I had to sleep early Saturday night to wake up in time for the game.  And, oh, boy!  What a treat it was!

What a reunion between Barça... and I! :)

The match was a fast-paced one, with the men from both sides starting with spirited sprint on that beautiful green turf of Berlin.  Everyone watching knew right off the bat that both sides were gunning for the cup with powerful artillery - no compromise!  Both sides have a worthy mission.  Both sides won their local Leagues and local Cups going into the Champions League final.  Juve was gunning for their first treble - the 8th Club to do so if they managed to get Lady Luck smile their way; and Barça was aiming to make history to become the first Club to achieve the treble twice.  Juve's manager/head coach, Max Allegri, was a worthy victor... but so was Barça's freshman head coach/manager, Luis Enrique, relatively young as he may be!  

Champions League followers were expecting the final match to be a battle of midfields, Juve's was led by the veteran, Andrea Pirlo, and Barça's was led by the brilliant Andres Iniesta.  Everyone was also picturing a duel between Barça's "magician", Lionel Messi, and the Italian side's seasoned goal keeper, Gianluigi "Gigi" Buffon, in front of the Italian Serie A champs' goal.  Naturally, a swarm of defenders were about Messi early on; and naturally, Lucho Enrique and Don Andres expected this, and so did Neymar Jr., who pressed the Juve defense early on.  It was a battle of midfield tactics alright.  In fact, duirng the first four minutes or so of the match, the quick-witted Don Andres Iniesta orchestrated the attack for Barça, getting his men touch the ball, once, twice on the turf as they gather towards the Juve goal.  Don Andres found a little opening, slipped the ball through to Ivan Rakitić, who acted quickly and decisively, and sent the ball past the surprised Buffon (and he's rarely surprised!) to hit the back of the net!  The Catalan side took the driver seat, 1-0, merely four minutes into the match!  And the sprinting and tactical battle intensified.  Whew, beautiful!

The rest of the first half was a great duel of wills between the two sides...  Barça pressing to provide a cushion to their lead, Juve was looking to equalize while resisting the advances of the opposite side.  Their horns were locked tightly, but I gotta say that the great tactician, Don Andres, and the South American demolition trio, Messi, Neymar and Luis Suarez, with the do-or-die hustle from Dani Alves, kept Juve mum, as they pressed relentlessly.  Barça's attack crew kept the ball with the Catalans, not giving the Juve attackers, led by Carlos Tevez, much chance to create damage.  

***
Finishing the task

One would think that in the second half, Barça would be running to finish the match with another goal, but it was Juve's Alvaro Morata who picked up the remains of a saved attempt for a goal by Tevez, about ten minutes into the second half, to equalize. That scattered the Catalan men for a while, and the Barça defense was the first to appear like they were feeling the heat.  It did look like Juve was going for an all-out attack of the FCB goal manned by the 23-year old German keeper, Marc-André Ter Stergen.  However,

Neymar, securing the win with a third goal for FCB.

the young goal keeper, calm and serene in front of the goal, proved to be up to the task - very impressive!  I have to say that Barça's defense, which was usually suspect when things go wrong, proved to be equal to the task as well... well, after recovering from their "initial shock" caused by the Morata goal anyway.  Call it the Don Iniesta calming leadership effect... that man has that effect on his team.  He gets them back on attacking track - fast!  

The formidable South American attacking trio in front of the Barcelona crew kept pressing... they launched many attacks that would've shattered to pieces a goal keeper made of less finer stuff than Gigi Buffon was.  At some point though, something had to give.  In one of the blistering attempts by Messi to get FCB in front again, Buffon saved, but spilled the ball, which was apparently went too weighty after being walloped by Messi's left foot.  The hungry Suarez, without hesitation, sprinted to send the loose ball to the back of the net as Buffon was still sprawled on the turf recovering from Messi's assault, 2-1.  Such is the lethality of Barça's attack line.  Just as quickly as he scored though, Suarez picked up a yellow card as soon as the game re-started after Barça's celebration of his goal! :)  Oh, boy!  At least, the yellow card did not involve biting of someone's ear. ;)

The lead could have been stretched by Neymar to 3-1 about the 70th minute or so, but his header was ruled out as the ball accidentally touched the back of his right hand before flying to the goal. That little touch couldn't have changed the trajectory of the ball... but it was disallowed anyway, and it was fair enough.  Juve then continued to press for opportunity to equalize, as Barça's South American attack trio did the same relentlessly, propelled by the midfield, which was led by the great Xavi Hernandez in the last 15 minutes or so of the match. After a few rolling around by Suarez, whose wailing can be a bit embarrasing and/or irritating at times, Lucho decided to pull him out, and Pedro Rodriguez came on.  During the last minute of the five-minute stoppage time, Messi, Pedro and Neymar ran for a final attempt for a goal, which sent my heart all a-thump-thumping with crazy excitement!  And Neymar kicked the last goal in with such force uncaring about any sort of destruction that such force may cause - no chance for even the likes of Buffon to stop - claiming the 2015 Champions League trophy for good... and FCB's second treble!  And, into the history books they went!  Yowza!  

Awesomeness?  Ah, well... no other way to describe it!  I was glad that, at least, I watched the final - live!  If only for that, I resolve to avoid ranting (here) for the next... uhm, five (working) days, maybe? :)


***
P.S. Footie Beautie

I have to say, I love this Barça - Lucho Enrique's Barça, that is.  Their movement as a Team is very fluid.  They still play the "possession football" that was central in Pep Guardiola's Barça, and they still work wonderfully as a Team as in the "Pep era", but there's a bigger component of "no-excuse attack" that makes this current ensemble very exciting to watch.  There is a hint of "savagery" in their hunger to get those goals coming... there is a flavor of unabashed display of enjoyment as they make those goals after a relentless pursuit.  There is raw desire for the best result possible... it's honest, it's compelling, it makes one wants to celebrate with them, it's great! 

Pep's Barça was all about tantalizing movement.  They moved beautifully and gracefully in a well-timed approach to the goal that they were just breathtaking to watch.  They seemed to be playing football on their own, without opponents!  The fantastic goals seemed like mere "icing on the cake", and the trophies are more of a payment to the display of beauty rather than a prize for winning the competition.  Lucho's Barça has more 'muscle', and they have no qualms about displaying it, and they do so as beautifully as possible, too.  They are not only beautiful to watch, they produce nail-biting excitement in their devil-may-care attacks, but in a well orchestrated moves that involve the whole Team nevertheless!  They keep you on the edge of your seat, they make their spectators gush adrenaline, and they challenge their opponents to match their pace.  Pep's 'delicately beautiful men' have been transformed to Lucho's 'exciting men's men'!  It felt different to watch this new Barça, and I love it! 

And, I love all the show of love among the 'beautiful men' of this 'beautiful game'... all the kissing and hugging without any hint of self-consciousness, all the good cheers after the match that show true sportsmanship, are just fantastic to watch.  I missed seeing all this for the longest time... it has been killing me!  But, I got good dose of my 'wonder drug' from the Berlin final of the Champions League.  Life is good!  It is, ya know! :)    

***

Photo credit:  I took all the photos in the collage from the Balls Channel live feed via Skycable (Channel 34), except the center photo, which was obtained from the UEFA Champions League's twitter account - thanks.

*** 

World Cup 2014, Day 4: More 'surprises'?

Yep, but very pleasant ones!
========================================================================
by PAM


And so, the moment of truth has finally arrived... will Diego Maradona's 'heir apparent' finally become who he was born to be?  A hint to the answer came some 65 minutes into the first match of La Albiceleste in the 2014 FIFA World Cup - in the cavernous Maracana no less, the sacred ground of Brazilian football... Brazil's answer to Rome's Colosseum.   

The moment that millions of football fans around the world have been waiting for since 2010 in South Africa has finally came.  Lionel Messi stepped out of the dugout and into the Maracana pitch, donning the sky blue and white strip

The Albiceleste Captain and his 'army': all men
of the 'beautiful game'.

of the Argentina National Football Team.  The crowd of 74,738 erupted in cheers.  He knew what he was up against: the formidable 'giants' of the game, the towering expectations of his countrymen, and the non-believers who continue to doubt his greatness, in spite of four Ballon d'Or and other awards, and countless silverware for FC Barcelona, which he helped to amass.  He knew who were behind him: millions who believe in the 'beautiful game', and in the fact that he and his talents are an exquisite ornament that confirms the beauty of the game.  Wearing the Albiceleste Captain's arm band, the subtle but distinct swagger with which he walked as he led his Team towards the pitch spoke volume:  he felt the daunting challenge, but he felt the support of millions... and perhaps, the soft lips of destiny brushing his brows lightly - there, but not quite... and, that carried his spirit, allowed him to walk tall despite his minute physical stature.  Will destiny favor him and his supporters?  We have four weeks to find out.

In the meantime, there was the Group Stage to take care of.  The World Cup debutante, Bosnia and Herzegovina National Football Team, had a line-up menacing enough to

Own goal: The mistake borne out of inexperience
that put Bosnia on catch-up with Argentina.

make the Argentinian football fans to look up to the skies and pray for their Team to successfully clear this hurdle.  With high-quality players, the likes of Edin Dzeko, who have distinguished themselves to be highly realible in their respective roles on the pitch, say, the English Premier League in the case of Dzeko, it didn't look as easy as most would hope for. True enough, going through the newcomers was a nightmare, no straightforward approach!  Luckily, with a Messi inbound, after Sergio Aguero was brought down bad, an own goal by Sead Kolasinac put the Argentinians in the lead, 1-0, barely five minutes into the match.  This put the newcomers on a catch-up with the more experienced Argentinian squad.  However, with the 5-3-2 strategy employed by the Albiceleste boss, Alejandro Sabella, with Messi and Aguero in front, the Bosnian defense easily crowded La Pulga and El Kun everytime they got a go for the ball, rendering both forwards ineffective in finishing.  This nailed the score to 1-0 until the end of the first half.

In the second half, Sabella changed strategy, adopting a more tactically plausible format, given the tough Bosnian defense.  He brought out Gonzalo Higuain on the right wing to

The Maracana... cavernous, intimidating, exciting!

effect a 4-3-3, with more options for finishing.  It allowed Angel Di Maria to go deeper behind Aguero, using his speed and dribbling prowess more effectively to give Messi time to find his position, augmenting attack.  That sliced the Bosnian defense on Argentinian attack, giving Messi more space and better opportunity to finish more successfully.  Fernando Gago came on, too, putting cushion and creativity in the defense line as Di Maria went deeper. It seemed to be working as a few opportunities were made... but wasted, as El Kun cannot seem to control his touch on the ball.  At one point, Messi pooped a free kick... and the Argentinian fans made a disapproving sound... something that would suffocate the

The 'little magician' at work... goooooaaal!

spirit of someone made of less sturdier stuff.  Surprise?  Nah... it's the story of Messi's life, actually, having to wear the Blaugrana shirt and the Albiceleste shirt.  Luckily, he is made of stuff that All-Time Greats are made of.

And then, around the 65th minute into the match, there came an opening on the Bosnian defense, which Messi spotted quickly.  He sped forward on the left of the goalkeeper, Asmir Begovic, passing the ball to Higuain so he could lose his markers who now chased Higuain, slicing the defense further, and then changed course and sped to the left, not giving enough time to Begovic to change position and the defense to change direction.  Higuain, in a perfectly timed move, passed the ball to Messi as the 'little magician' zigzagged the defense.  La Pulga charged to the slight opening, jumping over the disconcerted defense who fell tangled as they chased him, and fired with his left foot.  GOAL!  Awesomeness!  

Maracana erupted with sheer glee!  I was on my feet, too, despite my sickness, which

Messi goal-related pandemonium: 74,738-glee!

required that I lie down for a few days. :)

More similar opportunities were created by the Albiceleste, but lady luck seemed to say that two goals should be enough, and winning does not have to mean "slicing" your opponent to pieces.  Winning  must also be a humbling experience.  In fact, just to point out that the Argentina defense is suspect, a late goal from Vedad Ibisevic, which was fired on close range went through the legs of the Albiceleste goalie, Sergio Romero.  None of Sabella's defense crew were anywhere close enough to help out Romero effectively.  To be fair, Federico Fernandez, I believe did a great job, putting away many Bosnian attempts in a decisive and 'mean defending' manner... actually, some of his moves were in the vicinity of awesomeness.  Yep, the man is quite reliable.  Perhaps, Javier Mascherano must emulate his example... and, with Fernando Gago allowed more playing time, they should be fine. 

And, to be fair to the Bosnian squad and their boss, Safet Susic, they played like old timers out there... fearless, determined, focused, composed... they showed hunger, but they also showed elegance and grace.  Good job, gentlemen!  You are one of World Cup 2014's pleasant surprises.  Carry on.   

Alright, good first game, Albiceleste.  Moving on... Nigeria and Iran must be tamed, too.  Can you whip it? :)  You'd better! 

***

Ball point...

...is a good point!
=====================================================================
by PAM


Yeah, last week was a difficult week.  The bulk of work was tremendous... and my family lost one important member. :(  But, amid all that, I had to stay smiling, attentive to those who need our help in the Office, and focused on the many important activities, such as the Baccalaureate Mass.  Such is life in this profession... "smile though your heart is breaking...", or so they say.

The incredible amount of work continues to flow in this week... but, today, I finished one big chunk of it darn heavy workload!  I believe I deserve to celebrate a little... so, I rummaged through my "virtual drawer" of missed football matches.  Of course, the biggest of them all is this:

"Messi is in the box... and he slides it in!  This is intense football!

...and Pepe's extra-curricular is gonna put him in the book."  :)

"(Ronaldo is) Emphatic, accurate, beautifully deadly with his dispatch...

Iniesta spanks it over.... 

...you don't need to love these players, people, but you should marvel at them!  :)

...another emphatic detonation (from Lionel Messi) from the spot... 

...Barcelona invades the Bernabeu!"

I know, how could I, right?  How could I have missed such an important event in the awesome world of football when I'm supposed to be a big football fan, huh?  It's El Clasico, dude, I know!  If you must know, I feel helpless... and hopeless... hopelessly sinking into that quicksand of an extremely boring 'existence'... having missed an FC Barcelona match against Real Madrid CF - that's extreme indeed!  I feel like I'm losing it... sinking deeper, and deeper still, in the 'dark tunnel of unrelenting serious work'!  Surely, there is light at the end of the tunnel, eh?  Oh, boy, there's gotta be, or else, life'll lose its meaning!  'Cause life, or, at least the one I live, is quite 'pointless' if it isn't written with a 'ball-point'. It's difficult to find sense in serving well when you can't even deserve to find a minute from your life of service to mourn your loss. As the old adage goes, "all work and no (ball) play... requires the doctor to be on call?" =) I guess, it's still one's decision... and choice, in fact, to live a healthy balance of serving well and enjoying all the beautiful things that life has to offer.

Therefore, back to this latest edition of El Clasico.  It's one big-scoring match right there... with both the biggest stars of football scoring beautifully.  As usual, Sergio Ramos was thrown out after 'seeing red'.  No big brawl this time, in spite of Pepe's tremendous effort to spark a bloody one, and Dani Alves's willingness to pitch in. :)  But, yeah, I agree with the commentator, this Clasico may have just decided the La Liga title.  With Leo Messi looking like he's getting into the habit of scoring hat-tricks again after his resurrection from his hamstring injury, the nine matches remaining will be big... huge!  And, vacation time is getting closer and closer, too.  Yep, life makes sense again!  :)

***
Video credit:  Thanks, YouTube, for the video links.

***

The "Beautiful Game"...

...will dazzle the world in 2014!  Goooooaaaall!!
================================================================================
by PAM


Here's why I absolutely believe that 2014 is going to be a spectacular year...

Brasiiiiiilll... let's do it!

...World Cup, baby!

There will be beauty - lots of it!  Oy, absolutely!  There will be brilliance and awesomeness - that's for sure!  There will be drama... tons of it!  And, yes, it will be a big party!  Therefore, let's do this!!!  Brasiiiiiiiiillllll... get ready, we're coming to ya!  :)

My bet... aw, man, I don't want to jinx this, but there is absolutely nothing wrong about wishing for España to make a back-to-back win.  La Roja is still teeming with just about the finest men of the beautiful game... in talent, teamwork that's exhilarating to watch, heart for winning... and yes, 'beauty itself'! :) They smashed Euro two years ago with a back-to-back win, there is no reason why they

The 'weapon', and the prize... for the 'most beautiful'
of 'em all!  (Credit:  Getty Images)

won't be able to do a repeat of that awesome feat in the World Cup - considering WC's importance, and how a victory for them this year would be a Spanish football success of historical magnitude. The only problem is, they are in the "Group of Death".  They have the Dutch squad and Chile in their way to defending their crown. Now, that's a towering hurdle to clear right there!  

An Albiceleste (Argentina) win would mean the sweetest story of all (at least for me)... the four-time 'Best Player' in the world helping his squad to reach the apex of success for his country... Lionel Messi, of course!  That would be a most dramatic finish - for the books... and films, considering how his country favored Juan Martin del Potro as Sportsman of the Year for 2013!  Man, talk about drama!  :)  And, Argentina is teeming with incredible talents of its own as well, what with Sergio "Kun" Aguero, Javier Mascherano, Gonzalo Higuain and Angel Di Maria?  Mama España'd better watch her back... but, honestly... uhm, I won't mind too much if Argentina snatches the crown from Spain. *blush*

There is no discounting the host country, too... Brazil will always be a strong contender, especially with Neymar, Jr.'s awesomeness fast-approaching its apex - that could be a game-changer.  Let's see how'd they fair against Mexico and Cameroon in the Group Stage.  I'm also keeping a close watch on that 'football brute force' that is Oranje (The Netherlands), which is in the same Group as Spain and Chile... man, that's going to be a do-or-die Group Stage saga right there, considering how Oranje almost hijacked Spain's 'date with destiny' in Africa four years ago! That championship was almost a karate match on the pitch, with Oranje playing the 'bully' to the elegant Spaniards... good thing La Roja were up to it, and 'beauty' prevailed! ;) 

Italy with its pride and passion, France with its fine players, and Germany will be contenders, too. I love these German brilliant 'young guns' and their well-dressed manager. They came very close in Africa four years ago... defeated in the quarterfinals by the eventual Spanish victors. Their inexperience worked to their disadvantage then.  Now, with more experience and grit, these young men are a force to reckon with!  OK, Portugal and Cristiano Ronaldo will make their presence felt, too, that's for sure... whatever!  Germany will be fighting it out through the Group stage, with Portugal and Ghana to wrestle a place with to the knockout stage.  And, oh, did I mention England already?  No?  Well, the Three Lions squad is in my shortlist, too. :)

The other thing is, in 2010, Uruguay was a great team... and they can be back with the same intensity and brilliance, the way they did then and in Copa América, too, in 2011.  The only problem is, they are in the same Group as England and Italy... now, that's a tough Group to crack into the knock-out stage through! Talk about exciting!

We'll see how it goes... hopefully on site - in Brazil!  Woohoo!  :)

***

Thanks, October...

...it's been great, and i don't mean it in an "Oktoberfest" sort of way - too bad!
=====================================================================
by PAM


I haven't lived through a single month with so much trials, turmoil, devastation, test of character and strong resolve to do what was right, amazement over so many fantastic and/or shocking things, and tremendously joyful moments of sweet little victories, too... until October 2013 came along, that is.  These events plastered on my calendar (and now my memory) like contrasting stripes... and you can just imagine the emotion that went with every stripe.  Up to the very last hour of October 2013, I was debating with myself on whether I made the right decision on this and that... especially THAT! :)  If you were my friend, and I have been talking to you over the last week or so (and that's like two or three of you only), you know what that is.  Yep, extremely challenging... that's what October 2013 has been for me.  But, yep, I've never felt more alive, more 'accomplished', and somewhat wiser and braver... just because every single piece of effort was spent for someone except myself, spent for a cause bigger than myself.      

For every October 2013 challenge won, I felt tremendous joy... and when I finally made the decision on that, it was totally liberating - whatever the implication of my decision was.  The important thing is I gathered enough courage and bravery to confront the challenge, stare it down like I was unafraid, acknowledge borrowed wisdom from the people I look up to in order to trim the choices to just two, made the choice, and put my decision in black and white... 'cause either way, there will be uncertainties and heavy sacrifices... and maybe, even hurt feelings - and, mostly mine, too, that's for sure.  I'm glad I took the more difficult choice - the harder decision.  'Cause I realized after a few days of reflection that there is greater opportunity to be happy about it when all is said and done.  All I need to do is live one day at a time... hold on to my faith, the very good intentions and hopeful aspirations in my heart, and work very, very (very, very) hard to make the decision work... and try to enjoy every minute of it, too.
  
***
Thanks for the 'beauty' and the time to appreciate it

In the meantime, THANKS, October.  Despite the tremendous 'hardship' you brought, you've proven yourself to be generous enough to give me the precious time for this...

Finally, some 'beauty'.  Oy!

It's been months since I last saw similar beautiful images on my television screen.  It felt like it's been forever since I last felt the delicious, delicious exhilaration that those images bring.  The excitement that makes your heart race and pushes you to the edge of your seat is unbelievable.  The burst of emotion that makes you jump and scream, "whoa, aweeeesoooome!" is absolutely priceless!  :)  It's strange that these beautiful images and delicious exhilaration should come again to rekindle my love for the 'beautiful game' on a hard, hard month that October 2013 is!  Mysterious, life is.

Oh, but I have to say, FC Barcelona's away kit is, ahem, ugly. :)  And their defense still sucks!  Their passing is less than impeccable, too.  What's going on?  

I know that they are still convinced, like Pep Guardiola was during his tenure as Barça big boss, that 'the best defense is offense', but other sides have already caught on, and are exploiting the weak Barça defense.  On the other hand, the heavy defense of sides like AC Milan for instance has been making the Blaugranes forwards work tremendously hard to find cracks and create space... and the Catalan men pay such heavy price on counter-attacks because their backline is weak.  Tata Martino needs to figure this out - how to strengthen the Barça backline.  They still bring home the bacon, that's true, but they need to get back

Pep's not-so-secret weapon back in his Barça days. 

to their perfect quality of play in order to snatch back the 'best in the world' recognition.  Right now, Bayern Munich seems to have that title - officially per FIFA silverware, and in form and quality, too.  Now that Pep is pushing everyone, demanding high-quality output from the Bavarians in the perfectionist fashion that he was famous for in Barcelona, it seems that there is no limit to what the Bavarians can achieve in the next how many years.  On the other hand, Barça's greatness - as a Team - seems to be eroding, even if the individual players remain world-class quality-wise.  

Winning for Barça these days must be all about dynamic adjustment of tactics on the pitch, because other sides have already figured out the Barça greatness under Pep's leadership.  Martino  needs to infuse his brand of greatness to Barça - quickly and effectively - a uniqueness that will surprise the other sides, and delay their reaction on the pitch - to give Barça enough time to keep scoring a win.  That was the beauty of Pep's leadership in Barça... he led his men to stay with the delightfully beautiful tiki-taka patiently, patiently, and ever patiently!  Waited for the opponent to feel frustrated and confused, and waited still until they let a space open up in their frustration and confusion.  Messi and his cohorts would then go in like the flash of lightning through the little cracks in the defense to score a win!  They did that all the time... their opponents became weary of this, nervous of this... and it gave Barça the aura of mystery and unmatchable intelligence on the pitch, quickness that 'killed', and invincibility that was hard to figure out.  This is why Pep designed his tactics around Messi because Messi had the quickness and precision that Pep needed for his tactics to work. Add to that Messi's youthful enthusiasm to play quick and beautiful, and Pep had the perfectly adorable side that played beautiful and exciting football.  But José Mourinho figured out Pep's Barça

Tata Martino... concocting the new recipe for winning.

game plan (there... I finally acknowledged it), and he let the whole football world know of his discovery.  Barça slowly lost 'the aura'... and it was then when Pep knew it was time for him to move on - to give his beloved  Barça a fresh opportunity to re-invent itself as a Team with a new and unique tactic. 

Martino, while he needs to be faithful to the Barça's brand of 'beautiful football', must come up with this uniqueness... something that will surprise their opponents, the way Pep surprised his opponents during his tenure, the way Pep found the winning formula.  Martino still has Messi - the best player in the world... and now, he has Neymar Jr., too.  He still has Xavi Hernandez and Andrés Iniesta, and Cesc Fàbregas still shows brilliance given the right opportunity.  Like the ever-reliable attacking midfielder, Sergio Busquets, the work efficiency and dedication of Javier Mascherano in the defense line deserves kudos, too.  While Gerard Piqué seems to need some 'straightening up', Dani Alves remains lethal, and Adriano Correia seems 'moldable' to a bigger role. In short, everyone has got it in him to deliver the goods when asked...  and that's a lot to work with to concoct the new winning recipe for Barça.  The question is, when will Martino start hammering his influence through?   

Alright, November, I wanna know the answer to that question.  Therefore, be kind!

***