According to numerology, hosts Brazil, South American challenger Argentina, three times World Runners-up Holland and four times World Champions Italy are favourites to win the cup this year.
In 1978, hosts Argentina outclassed Holland 3-1 in the final to win the soccer’s most prestigious trophy for the first time. Brazil remained unbeaten third after 2-1 victory over Italy in the play-off. Interestingly Italy defeated eventual champions Argentina 1-0 in the first round.
However, critics questioned Argentina’s 6-0 win against Peru, which enabled the hosts to overtake Brazil on goal average. Had Argentina scored a goal less, the world would have witnessed a classic final between Brazil and Holland. Critics said that Peru’s goalkeeper was an Argentine by birth and he willingly made several mistakes. A day before, Brazil walloped Poland 3-0 and, therefore, Argentina needed 6-0 victory in their last match and they managed it.
Brazil’s number is 7 according to numerology, Argentina’s 9, Holland’s 1 and Italy’s 2. Nonetheless, it should be remembered that result of a match depends much on the referee. Besides, if two teams play a compromising game or if a team concedes defeat deliberately in order to avoid stronger opponent in the next round, numerology does not work. As for example, in 1974, hosts West Germany lost to East Germany 0-1 in a Group ‘A’ match with a view to avoiding Brazil in the quarterfinal. And we know that West Germany won the cup beating Holland 2-1 in the final.
Yet apparently, Brazil are the top favourites to win the cup. Will any body disagree?
In 1978, hosts Argentina outclassed Holland 3-1 in the final to win the soccer’s most prestigious trophy for the first time. Brazil remained unbeaten third after 2-1 victory over Italy in the play-off. Interestingly Italy defeated eventual champions Argentina 1-0 in the first round.
However, critics questioned Argentina’s 6-0 win against Peru, which enabled the hosts to overtake Brazil on goal average. Had Argentina scored a goal less, the world would have witnessed a classic final between Brazil and Holland. Critics said that Peru’s goalkeeper was an Argentine by birth and he willingly made several mistakes. A day before, Brazil walloped Poland 3-0 and, therefore, Argentina needed 6-0 victory in their last match and they managed it.
Brazil’s number is 7 according to numerology, Argentina’s 9, Holland’s 1 and Italy’s 2. Nonetheless, it should be remembered that result of a match depends much on the referee. Besides, if two teams play a compromising game or if a team concedes defeat deliberately in order to avoid stronger opponent in the next round, numerology does not work. As for example, in 1974, hosts West Germany lost to East Germany 0-1 in a Group ‘A’ match with a view to avoiding Brazil in the quarterfinal. And we know that West Germany won the cup beating Holland 2-1 in the final.
Yet apparently, Brazil are the top favourites to win the cup. Will any body disagree?
Ameer Hamzah
Dhaka
