Dutch defeat and all that :

Today, is a sad day for me. It was one for all those fans clad in orange, supporting the dutch. As most of you know, they played brilliantly and won all three of their group games. Italy, France and Romania were no match for the their All - round football. Sadly though, it was not to be their night on the 22'nd of this month. They were defeated by a resurgent Russian side, led by former Dutch coach Guus Hiddink. It seemed as if the flying Dutchman finally gave way. I do not want to talk anymore about the loss. There are various reasons why the Dutch lost, and no amount of speculation and criticism can stop Holland's sad exit from the Euros. What annoyed me was the incident that followed. As soon as the third goal was scored, I switched off the television, not bearing to watch anymore, and stepped out into the balcony for some fresh air. One of my friend spotted me at this late hour and called me. I was not in any mood to talk, still, politeness is politeness. I picked up the cell, and replied in what seemed to be almost a whisper of a ill man, "Hullo ?" "Hi, what's up?", questioned the voice on the other side. "Nothing, Holland lost the match and I am in no mood to talk.", I said. "Whats the problem? Holland lost why are you sad?" ... That was it, I had no more patience left. "There's something called passion which you might be unaware of.", I said, not really intending to be rude, but the voice chirped on, "Passion for no reason, what is this yaar? Anyways I think ... " I cut the call, the line had really blown a fuse somewhere deep inside. "Passion for no reason" ... I cannot recall ever feeling more insulted in my life.

This sort of behaviour really tick me off. For the past couple of days, I have been viewing may profiles on orkut, and really, it seems as bad as the end of humanity. The "Books" section never fails to amaze me. You see shite stuff like :

"Books, what are they?" "Books, lollllz, not for me." " Books, pllllzzzz" " Books, keep em away!!!!"

It really pains me, to acknowledge the fact that most Indian youth seem to think that not reading a single book, OR pretending to not read any single book is a matter of prestige and makes then "Kewl".

I am left speechless.

Well, it cannot be helped. There are other things to look at and life moves on.

Since the Euros are drawing to a close, we shall see several coaches and players retiring. One of them will be Edwin Van Der Saar. A brilliant goalkeeper, he was included in the 1994 World Cup side, but did not play. His chance came in 1995, and since then He has been in goal for the Dutch team. Sadly though, his international career was to come to an end with a 3 - 1 defeat against Russia. We shall miss you on the Holland games, but its OK, because you still play for Manchester United. To Edwin Van Der Saar, a brilliant keeper, I love you and you will always be my hero.

Beautiful People

Group C Hara Kiri.

The Group - C matches have finally come to an end and naturally, I am irritated and utterly dismayed at the result. Not because of a team I supported not making it but because of the sheer lack of quality. Truly the Dutch have been brilliant, but this is about the other two giants of world football : Italy and France. The "World Cup Finalists"

One team faces problems in the form of a demented coach, who is unable to decide upon his strongest starting XI. The other faces a pension problem. None of the veterans seem to be going anywhere. An injured Captain (centre half as well), along with his partner in defense. there is also an overall lack of quality plaguing the team.

It is truly a sad sight. Teams like Portugal, Croatia, Spain, Holland and the Romanians have new young blood coursing through their veins. Sadly, the other seem hell - bent upon playing their veterans (players called out of retirement mind you) while not giving the young guns a chance. Poor Benzema would be distraught if he recollected this tour ever again. On the other hand old Match winners such as Del Piero are placed on the bench, the manager preferring an inexperienced Antonio Cassano.Luca Toni must have squandered as many chances as the hair on his head. Most definitely his brilliant Domestic form has not reflected itslelf in this tournament AS OF NOW.

To make things worse, it gives an opportunity to half - arsed and pathetic wannabe Football Pundits such as this one to rant their heads off :

http://www.ashutoshdeshpande-juve.blogspot.com/

If any team deserved to go through, it was Romania who have, honestly, played some good football and displayed good sportsmanship. The rest o the two deserved , no less fittingly, to be the cause of the other's failure. Domenech needs a kiss from a dementor while Donadoni needs to find a better scout.

Again, a note to all the viewers :

I have nothing against France or Italy going through.

UEFA Euro 2008 :

Portugal

Holland

It would be a shame if these teams didnot win the Euro 2008. Both sides have played all-round football and both deserve to win. Hence these are my favourites to win the Euro 2008

Vacuum :

Alas ! I used to consider myself always brimming with new Ideas, but right now, as I sit here to type, I feel drained, empty and hollow. Anything I type just seems to attract an afterthought saying : "No, this article ain't worth publishing." Thus with barrenness, my mind is engulfed and every thought related to "NEW" and "Different" just seems to evade me. Folks, it is under such circumstances that I ask you to have patience. This cruel phase of lack of creativity shall disappear.

Thank you.