Stop Watching the World Cup!
Before each World Cup tournament, referees receive clear instructions as to which side they are to favor in case of doubt. Nations whose victory would not make a significant contribution to the advance of the sport are never to be favored. Whatever the athletic merits of their teams, do you really believe North Korea (whose government is routinely vilified by the US and its client states), has a fair chance of getting anywhere? Do you think Honduras will get far? Or Algeria? What about Iran when it took part in the final tournament a couple of years ago? Even the US, for all its apparent military, political and economic clout, cannot expect to win the tournament. That is because in the US, despite massive efforts, football has not evolved into a truly popular game.
Of course, this is not to say that the World Cup tournament has nothing to do with football. Indeed, football is important, but powerful economic and political interests, often unbeknownst to the public, may affect the outcome of every game.
In fact, if you really like football, you ought to switch off your TV-set right now. You are being fooled, you are the unwitting victim of a giant scam, the athletic equivalent of a Ponzi scheme. If you like football, go play yourself or just go out to the nearest park and watch the local kids exhibiting their skills. But by all means, stop wasting your time watching a fixed tournament.
This year Spain, apart from having a good side, faces tremendous socioeconomic problems. A Spanish victory would be in the interest not only of the Spanish government, but also of the other EU governments and the US administration. A victory for their team would divert the attention of the Spanish public and make them perhaps more mellow in their criticism of government policies. The later the Spanish ulcer bursts, the better it is for the other states in economic straits. That is why it can be prophesied with reasonable accuracy that Spain will win the World Cup.
Besides, I am not the only one to say so. Johan Cruyff is on the record for stating he thinks Spain will be this year's World Champion.
Hans Vogel
