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[Jai]

Ronaldinho is mesmerising: Ganguly
   By: Debasish Datta
   May 9, 2006
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Kolkata: For Sourav Ganguly, cricket will always be the sport closest to his heart. But make no bones about the fact that football is not far behind.

The Beautiful Game runs in the veins of every Bengali and Ganguly, a footballer in his teens, is not different. When football is on, Dada can’t just stop himself from catching the action ‘live’.

MiD DAY got the former India captain to talk about the 2006 World Cup in Germany.

Who do you pick to win the World Cup and why?
Brazil without any doubt. With Ronaldinho, Ronaldo, Kaka and Robinho in their team, it is a very exciting outfit. And if they can reach the last four, they will be simply unstoppable from there. They know what it takes to be champions.

And your dark horse for the tournament?
Portugal because they love to attack too. And they have some exciting players in Luis Figo, Deco and Christiano Ronaldo. They are capable of causing upsets. I believe they will catch the attention of football lovers again in this World Cup.

And who’s your favourite player?
Ronaldinho. He is just mesmerising. He is really a sorcerer. Sometimes, his football is just unbelievable. I shall be happy if he emerges as the best footballer in Germany.

What about England? They have a good team too.
Yes, they had. But not after the Wayne Rooney episode (when he fractured his leg). I had England as one of the contenders for the World Cup. Post-Rooney, I don’t think they can do it.

But they have others like David Beckham, Steven Gerrard and Frank Lampard...
When an important player like Rooney is unavailable suddenly, it is a blow for any team. They would have made plans around Rooney. Now they have to make different plans, which you aren’t certain will succeed.

Will you be going to Germany?
I had plans but I am not so sure because of a few problems. It would have been great to watch the matches from the stands, because I have a feeling that this will be a special World Cup. But I will try my best to be there.
 
 
Source: Ronaldinho is mesmerizing

[toney]

I couldnt agree more with SG. My love for the beautiful game started with Maradona's wizardry in 1986 but the only team I support has been Brazil. The closest someone has come to replacing Maradona is this chap who never stops smiling.
I dont think Portugal are favourites though. They made a great comeback in the last Euro cup but I feel, with guys like Figo not in the team, they wont be much of a threat. But if I had a choice, I'll have them and Spain in the semis, along with one of Argentina or Germany.

I wonder who will be runners up this time.

[pieterSAN]

Semis Will be Czech Republic versus Netherlands and Brazil versus some team. I would be happy to see the Czechs or Netherlands come through and win it but Brazil always starts favorites.

England, the team I always get behind, has little hope. Sven-youarean-erection has ballsed it up again. What is the point behind having Hargreaves in the side. David James can only entertain us by tripping over his own feet. Walcott, bless his heart, will be going up against the world's best for the first time before he has run circles around David James. Please Rooney get well, please!

[toney]

Sven-youarean-erection has ballsed it up again.

ROFL

Did you have a look at the draws before that prediction? If so, that is a decent one to hope for. I wish for Germany this time mainly because they are the hosts and it is always much more enjoyable when they are still in the running. I still have a soft corner for them, after that superb late 80s-early 90s team left dazzling memories.

[justforkix]

I think Niranjan Shah should issue a warning to Ganguly. A cricket player under contract is not allowed to talk about other sports

[toney]

I think Niranjan Shah should issue a warning to Ganguly. A cricket player under contract is not allowed to talk about other sports

Especially when it involves players like Ronaldinho...

[mezmerized]

I am Ronaldinho

Ronaldinho is mesmerising: Ganguly
   
   

[dhruvdeepak]

I am Ronaldinho

Ronaldinho is mesmerising: Ganguly
   
   

no, actually, being mesmerized would make you Ganguly 

[pieterSAN]

Sven-youarean-erection has ballsed it up again.

ROFL

Did you have a look at the draws before that prediction? If so, that is a decent one to hope for. I wish for Germany this time mainly because they are the hosts and it is always much more enjoyable when they are still in the running. I still have a soft corner for them, after that superb late 80s-early 90s team left dazzling memories.

Yes...it is a viable semi-final line-up.  Germany is good team but they are boring. I can tell you right now both Netherlands (coached by Van Basten) and Czech Republic will be fantastic to watch. Dangit! I can't wait.

[gouravk]

hey isnt michael owen playing ?

[pieterSAN]

Both Owen and Rooney are recovering from injuries.  Owen should recover in time for the first game, but he has had only 30 minutes on the pitch in 2005. You have to wonder about his match fitness. They would have to ease him into the warmups and hope that he builds match fitness through the group stages.

Rooney on the other hand may not even get a chance to play throughout the WC. England should get throught to the second round but from then on Rooney's involvement is key to England's chances. I am not holding my breath.