Which way is the best way?

May 2nd, 2006 | by: Luis Paulo | Comments(5)

This whole Wayne Rooney issue brought to me an old subject: do you prefer to see the favorites advancing to further phases or getting knock out by a surprising contender at the World Cup?

I know that many people loved to see Senegal beating France (and I was one of them) or Argentina getting defeated by Sweden in 2002 but was it any good to see Turkey and South Korea in a semi-final? I know that the Portuguese defeat to the Americans wasn’t celebrated by any of us.

To me, it’s pretty simple. The World Cup is the only chance I have to see the World greatest teams playing against themselves and trying to do their best. I saw Portugal and Brazil in 2003, but would it be the same match if it were in a World Cup? Of course not! The Eurocup is the closer that we get of a World Cup but without Brazil and Argentina it´s not exactly the same.

After waiting 4 more years to this, I wish to see Portugal, Czech Republic, Netherlands and all the old champions on the round of 16. After the Korea-Japan experience (I almost fell to sleep at the final) I need to see battles of giants again.

However, I don’t blame those who prefer the easy way. It’s always nice to defeat Italy or Brazil in your way but winning it’s what matters. Therefore, facing Ecuador instead of England might make things a little easier.

What about you? Do you prefer the easier way to reach further phases at the World Cup or the would you like to face the best tem even though it could mean an early ending on the competition.