Grin And Beer It

                    

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?)