I know, I
know. Bad pun. But that was the only thing one could do when there were
blunders after blunders at the FIFA games just because the powerballers-that-be
at FIFA hold on tight to Tradition and just don’t let go. Between their adamant
attitude and the arrogance of the referees and the linesmen, there’s a bit of a
bad taste that’s entered the game. Nothing that a few more gulps of beer won’t
cure, mind you, but it’s sad.
Time was
when it wouldn’t have mattered. The cameras were old world, so were the TVs,
the transmission indifferent and it all added up to giving the referees the
benefit of the doubt. Today, the tech raven quoths ‘Nevermore!’ Let’s face it,
in the age of high-definition LED TVs that practically fill a wall, of 3-D transmission,
when every kick, every lunge, every header is seen larger than life, right in
your living room, when it’s not just like being there at the game but even
better, then it’s time to wake up, guys and smell the scent of technology.
Breathe deeply and upgrade because if you don’t, you are going to have some
very disgruntled fans out there. Fans who would have recorded the game and will
rewind, replay, pause and dissect every little error. It’s no use saying, ‘But
that’s the way it’s always been!’ It’s never been so up close and damning,
buster!
So let’s
rewind and look at those few major blunders that probably changed the course of
the World Cup this year. Accompanied of course with a beer for the occasion. With
the footie season on, beer is very much top of mind so a bit of reminiscing
about this brilliant beverage can be forgiven. No ad can ever be good enough
for a glass of chilled beer. Nothing can ever quite describe the warm glow that
spreads through the body as this cold concoction makes its way down, never mind
what the mood or temperature is like outside. The admen have tried their best
to paint this feeling with words though – and some have come pretty close. Some
of those slogans seem to have been written with just these FIFA football lows in
mind.
The offside
that Tevez scored – the Mexicans just slumped after that.
Ah well, according to
the FIFA boss, errors should be a part of the game.
Budweiser. Where there's life, there's Bud.
(And even where there isn’t!)
Then of
course, the Lampard goal, replayed again and again and every time you just had
to admit it was in. Things might have gone very differently for England if the
goal had been granted.
Heineken refreshes the parts other beers cannot reach.
(Especially that crushed, down-in-the-dumps feeling!)
How far can
you send Klose?
All the way off the field for something that was so minor.
C’mon, guys!
Coors beer. It won't slow you down.
(Never mind how disappointing the game has been. In fact,
you down it faster to cope better!)
Offside or
not is the question. It wasn’t but the referee said it was and autocratic referees
rule the roost at FIFA – cheered on by the deafening vuvuzelas of course!
Guinness Irish Stout. Out of the darkness comes light.
(The only bright spot for moments like these!)
Handball or
football, Brazil? What does it matter when the referee thinks it’s OK?
The
Ivory Coast just had to retreat to their ivory tower.
I feel like a Toohey's.
(Says it all, doesn’t it?)
