No Fear and True Nobility

“True nobility is exempt from fear”, are the words of William Shakespeare in King Henry VI. The two matches on the last day of the round of sixteen is much revolving around this saying. ‘The Black Stars’ are going to face the Samba music with the air of ‘No Fear’ while the second match between ‘La Furia Roja’ and ‘Les Bleus’ is much a matter of bearing out true nobility.

Starting with the case when a small start up franchise compete with an industrial giant to the sporting occasion when a weaker opponent meet up with a potential giant, the old Cliché David versus Goliath is used. This time, it has to be used, as Ghana are much an unknown team, playing in the grand competition for the first time whereas Brazil has been the rulers of world football and defending champions. The first round of matches has been very different for both the sides. Ghana after losing to Italy in their opening match 2-0 came back with the same score to defeat the Czech Republic to create the first major upset of the tournament. Then in the final game of the group stage, they went past America and historically marched into the second round. Brazil, who were criticised for playing ugly in the first two matches, came to full force against Japan in their last match, when they rested a few of their regulars. The opening match against Croatia could only be remembered for the Kaka goal. Against Australia, they played better but still weren’t at their best, still won convincingly 2-0. Ronaldo, as always, when failed to score in two consecutive matches was called overweight. Against Japan though, he found some form, and bagged a brace. The ones who stepped in for the day, all played exceptionally well to demonstrate the strength of the Brazilian bench. The only doubt was whether the bench is stronger than the usual starters. Brazil has a habit of taking their first round matches lightly, only because they are too strong for it. When they knew that they had to face not the Italians, not the Czechs, not even the Americans, but the surprise package of Ghana, they were a bit astonished. But they still believe Ghana cannot match the mighty Brazilians on any day in any areas of the field. But they also know that underestimating them won’t be a good idea. With Robinho picking up a slight knock in training, Adriano is now sure to start alongside Ronaldo. The genius of Ronaldinho has not yet been visible, but maybe this is the match he may make a definite impression on this tournament. Ghana, welcoming Muntari and Gyan Asamoah back into their starting line-up will be without the services of their Chelsea playmaker Michael Essien. Essien has been the heart and soul of the side, and has been the link between the defence and attack alongside their captain Appiah. Now Appiah has to do that role all alone, but he is not afraid of that prospect. That has been the stamp of this Ghanaian side, ‘No fear’.

The game between the two European heavyweights will be one of the most anticipated games of the second round. Though bearing the tag of long time underachievers, the Spanish have gone through their first round with relative ease. After their thumping 4-0 win over Ukraine, and then incredible come back against Tunisia, the coach wholly changed the starting line up against Saudi Arabia and still won the match, but with a single goal. France’s path was not that easy. After disappointing draws in their first two matches against Switzerland and South Korea, France had to win the final match against Togo with a score line of 2-0 to progress. That too, without their influential captain and arguably the best player of his generation Zidane, who was suspended from that game. Vieira took the armband and played his heart out, to open up the scoring and then create the second for Henry, and France did what was expected from them. Zidane could play another game. France may not have impressed everyone, but once into the knockout stage they are a team to beat. Spain, who have a very young side will be up against a very experienced (some say ageing) French side. On the day when the Spanish captain Raul turns 29, he wants his best friend Zidane to bid farewell to the game, by taking revenge of the penalty miss and loss of Euro 2000. If the Spanish are allowed to continue their fluent passing game, France will suffer heartache; hence they will be trying to break it down at any cost. It remains to be seen if Thierry Henry can get the better of Carles Puyol, which he failed to do in the Champions league final. Whatever be the outcome, the game will be another hard fought encounter for the last quarter-final berth.

As Ghana is hoping to create another upset, Brazil will be all set to avoid it. France and Spain will fight it out for a chance to meet either of them in the quarter finals. Anyway, by the end of the day, the last eight will be decided, and two more teams will have to pack their bags and go back home.