The party may be raging in Spain for quite some time; but for the rest of us, the focus shifts from South Africa to Brazil, where the 20th edition of the World Cup will take place in 2014.
The fact that four years is a lifetime in soccer means that making any predictions about the next World Cup is a fool's errand. But plenty of questions have already emerged about the next incarnation of FIFA's biggest event.
1. Will the hosts be ready?
FIFA General Secretary Jerome Valcke set alarm bells jangling two months ago when he expressed concern over the lack of progress Brazil had made in improving stadiums and revamping the country's transportation infrastructure. Just last week, Brazilian Football Confederation president Ricardo Teixeira attempted to channel Chip Diller of "Animal House" fame by essentially saying "Remain calm. All is well!"
Teixeira insisted that progress has already been made on several stadiums, although concern remains over what role Brazil's biggest city, Sao Paulo, will play given that Morumbi Stadium has been taken off the list of proposed venues. Teixeira did admit that the country's airports need extensive renovation, meaning the concerns over Brazil's readiness won't abate any time soon.
2. What about the home team?
Consecutive appearances in the quarterfinals would be cause for celebration in some countries. Not in Brazil, where getting bounced in the final eight in both 2006 and 2010 is considered abject failure.
Given the talent the Seleção possesses, there's reason for such an assessment, but just as big a concern is the kind of team they've become. Spain has replaced Brazil as the keepers of the beautiful game, while Brazil has become a counterattacking side. Granted, it was a style Brazil implemented quite effectively during much of the just-completed World Cup cycle, but there is mounting sentiment that the team should return to its roots and seek to carry the initiative to its opponents.
Another concern is how sharp the team will be in 2014, given that, as hosts, it will not have to go through qualification. It's a difficult task for whoever replaces deposed head coach Dunga. Former World Cup winner Luiz Felipe Scolari has taken himself out of the running, at least for the moment, leaving Corinthians manager Mano Menezes, Fluminense head coach Muricy Ramalho, and former AC Milan head coach Leonardo among the remaining candidates.
3. Can Spain repeat?
Despite its undeniable talent, the odds of Spain claiming the 2014 crown are slim. One need only look at how 2006 champion Italy struggled in this tournament to see that remaining on top of soccer's summit is notoriously difficult. Not since Brazil in 1962 has there been a repeat champion, and the Seleção is also the only team in modern times to come close, reaching the final in 1998 after prevailing in 1994.
So how is Spain stacking up going into the next cycle? There remains an impressive core of young players around which to build. Defenders Gerard Piqué and Sergio Ramos, along with midfielders Cesc Fabregas and David Silva are all currently under the age of 25. World Cup final hero Andrés Iniesta is only 26, as is forward Fernando Torres.
Some turnover will inevitably occur, however, with Carles Puyol, Xabi Alonso, Xavi, and David Villa all likely to be replaced. Fortunately for Spain, qualifying for Euro 2012 is set to begin in August, meaning La Furia Roja will have plenty of time to break in new players.
source:www.sports.espn.go.com
A PAKISTAN TIMES
