sports fans everywhere were waiting in startled stillness to see what would happen. The reason is that argentina and France's world cup of Football final had required penalties. The question was whether Argentina's hero and living legend, Lionel Messi, would finally win the coveted FIFA world cup after 16 years of competing. Most people believed that this would be his final chance to win the cup.
In a very loose sense, the phrase "Hand of God," made popular by Diego Maradona, constantly seems to find itself endorsing the sports greats. The world's best footballer, Messi, was the one to receive it at this World Cup. In addition to the way they play the game of football, argentina was one of the favourite teams since everyone wanted Messi to win for his enormous contribution to the game. They richly deserved it and did it in grand style.
Argentina's triumph served as a good illustration of the degree of ambiguity that sports entail. When they were defeated by saudi arabia in their world cup opening encounter, the entire football world was astonished. After that, for argentina to qualify, they needed to win both of their games. But the defeat cast a pall over their competence. Champions, so the saying goes, thrive under pressure. Following the initial loss, Messi contributed to his team's advancement. He seemed to take responsibility for it, and every game they played afterward featured his magical abilities.
In a very loose sense, the phrase "Hand of God," made popular by Diego Maradona, constantly seems to find itself endorsing the sports greats. The world's best footballer, Messi, was the one to receive it at this World Cup. In addition to the way they play the game of football, argentina was one of the favourite teams since everyone wanted Messi to win for his enormous contribution to the game. They richly deserved it and did it in grand style.
Argentina's triumph served as a good illustration of the degree of ambiguity that sports entail. When they were defeated by saudi arabia in their world cup opening encounter, the entire football world was astonished. After that, for argentina to qualify, they needed to win both of their games. But the defeat cast a pall over their competence. Champions, so the saying goes, thrive under pressure. Following the initial loss, Messi contributed to his team's advancement. He seemed to take responsibility for it, and every game they played afterward featured his magical abilities.
