Heartbroken fans
The shell-shocking defeat of Brazil by Germany ending with a score of 7 to 1 was mortifying (‘1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6... 7: Germany crush Brazil in World Cup semi-final,’ Gulf News, July 9). One of the most reputed, football loving nations put in a miserable performance, breaking the hearts of 200 million Brazilian fans and many more admirers, like me, globally.
The Brazilian game was a nightmare and I was relieved when its worst-ever international performance ended. Nevertheless, it is important for Brazil to put this humiliation behind them, and analyse the reasons for the unfortunate debacle and take corrective action.
The Brazilian team needs to focus on delivery and not on hype. The team was shakey even when Neymar was playing; without him, the team crumbled. Their defence was weak. The attack was pitiable.
The Brazilian team was devoid of any strategy or tactics. The German team went through the Brazilian team, as if the latter was a university football team. It was a massacre.
This is the weakest Brazilian team to play the World Cup, relying inordinately on Neymar - a 22 year old who is a young and fragile player.
Brazil has to develop its attackers, strikers and defenders. It cannot depend on one or two stars. The whole team has to deliver. Individual brilliance is not enough.
This is not the time for any more Brazilian tears. The team should gear up and at least win the third position, so as to redeem some faith of the heartbroken Brazilian fans.
From Mr Rajendra K. Aneja
Dubai
Relied on stars
It was a real heartbreak for all Brazilian fans. Of course, in the absence of their Captain and the mercurial forward, Neymar, it was a tough match for them.
But no one had expected them to be routed with a score of 7-1. In fact, had it not been for the final minute lapse in German defence, the score would have read 7-0. If I am not mistaken, this must be Brazil’s worst loss in the World Cup. This reminds me the drubbing Indian hockey team got against Pakistan in India.
Incidentally, while most of the teams have one or two world famous players, Germany has no famous names, but they have a talented team, who can win matches for the country. Hope to see a good tussle between Argentina and the Netherlands, and of course, the finals.
From Mr Janaki Mahadevan
Dubai
Hearts with Brazil
Germany played very well. Though Brazil had possession of the ball more than Germany, they couldn’t regain their senses when four goals were born in six minutes from the German side. One game was not enough to overcome such a situation.
More than that, once the score reached 5-0, there was no stopping of messages being showered in over social media. It was said, even the referee asked the German side whether he could score a goal, too.
Another one was that “If Germany scores further goals, all the lights in the stadium will be switched off - Notice from Government of Brazil.” It’s a game, we all take it in good sportsmanship.
The Germans also never expected such a situation, it was a joyride. They had the best time. Everyone has a chance for their best times. Brazil enjoyed it several times before, they can still have and wait for sweet revenge in the future. Though many people support Germany for the title – Brazil, our hearts are still with you.
From Mr Mohammad
Dubai
Website comment
Still a German win
Sorry to break it to you Brazil fans, but you should have seen this coming even before the World Cup started. The Germans have been preparing for this properly. Even if they had the full line-up against Germany, it’s still a German win.
From Mr Ahmad
Dubai
Website comment
Still champions
Brazil was very disappointed in the last match when they were playing against Colombia, but the game is called football and you win some, and lose some. Still, Brazil is the champion since they have taken home five World Cups.
From Mr Saif Lahassain
Dubai
Website comment
A proper understanding
Terrorism in any form is condemnable and cannot be tolerated as it weakens the backbone of the country and its people (‘Terrorists in UAE to be ‘penalised with death penalty or life imprisonment’,’ Gulf News, July 7).
From Ms M. Jain
Dubai
Website comment
Dealt with strictly
Let all state organisations or personal supporters and sympathisers see how a modern state reacts to terrorists posing a terminal threat to the existence of mankind. Thank God that all civilised governments and people have come to the realisation that terrorism, in any form, has to be dealt with strictly and eradicated.
From Mr Joseph Kainikkara
Sharjah
Website comment
Internally displaced people in Pakistan
The Pakistan army should set up a cell to receive contributions and co-ordinate relief efforts for the re-settlement and re-rehabilitation of the poor people displaced due to the war-like situation in Waziristan (‘Pakistan army chief tells troops to ‘eliminate terrorists’,’ Gulf News, July 8). Many individuals and organisations in the UAE want to contribute food, shelter, supplies for Ramadan, but seeking a reliable and trustworthy channel can be challenging.
From Dr Yess Din
UAE
Open doors open minds
The holy month of Ramadan has started and so have the invitations for Iftar. I decided to attend the iftar at the Shaikh Mohammad Centre for Cultural Understanding (SMCCU), located at the historic Al Fahidi district of Bur Dubai.
When we reached the centre, we were cordially asked to sit down in the hall. We were allowed to take pictures of the museum located inside and, to our amazement, we found that Queen Elizabeth, Martha Stewart and Beyonce had visited the centre.
The event seemed to be very popular, as a gathering of almost 80 people of different nationalities assembled in the iftar hall. The evening began with the call to prayer, followed by the breaking of the fast with the Emirati hosts serving Arabic coffee and dates. Then, we observed our hosts pray, before iftar was served.
During iftar, visitors were invited to ask any questions they may have about Ramadan, the culture or the traditions of the UAE. All the questions were answered very well by our Emirati hosts and the atmosphere was full of camaraderie. It seemed that we were having a meal with our own group of family and friends.
They also explained the true meaning of Ramadan. Islam teaches to respect people of all faiths and to respect all human beings. It was an enlivening talk. We then returned to the SMCCU house for dessert and tea. It was a learning experience for me and the best iftar I’ve been to. The motto of SMCCU sums it up: All open doors, open minds.
So all of you stay-cationers, please do attend the iftar at SMCCU.
From Mr Amiteash Paul
Dubai
Not a race
Obesity or being overweight shouldn’t be turned into a competition (‘Your Child in Gold’ obesity drive launched in Dubai,’ Gulf News, July 9). I understand and I do support the idea to encourage people to be healthier and to lose weight when they need it, but they should do it for themselves. They should also be advised by health professionals, it shouldn’t be to win a competition for losing as much weight as they can in a short amount of time, especially when kids are involved. Losing weight is a personal journey not a race.
From Mr Franck Girard
Abu Dhabi
Facebook comment
Unnecessary feuding
It is no surprise that Andrew Strauss made an inappropriate remark on air about his former cricket team member, Kevin Pietersen this week. The former South Africans that once gracing English cricket turfs in national colourshave had a love-hate relationship for as long as they have represented their adoptive countries.
Pietersen, known for texting four-letter expletives via texting, got his come-uppance when a similar crude word uttered by his former skipper, accidently went on air.
Strauss, the third skipper to resign as a result of series losses to South Africa, has unfortunately done no better than the boisterous Pietersen.
With both their careers over, it was a pointless exercise trying to get back at cricket’s ultimate unrepentant ‘bad boy.’
From Mr A. R. Modak
Johannesburg
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