World Cup - Here again, Nearly!

It's 2006. The World Cup year is here again and what a treat were in for! There's a special bonus for Europeans, with the competition taking place in Germany. But who is going to win it?


We all have our own ideas and biases. The host nation often seems top do well, and perhaps only the mighty Brazilians, have a more consistent record than the Germans.


There is little doubt that this Summer the so called three R's in the British education system will take on an entirely different meaning. Reading, wRiting and aRithmetic, will be replaced by Ronaldhino, Rooney and Raul. These guys may be experts in their own craft but not generally thought of as education ambassadors . But eh! Wait a minute. Surely many lads, and not a few lasses, become more geographically and culturally aware through an interest in international football. They know for Real where Madrid is, and may be equally INTERested in Milan. They know that Brazilians seem to be smiling all the time, even when they're not winning, which is not often! The point is that through football a natural interest in other peoples countries and values is introduced in sporting and friendly, (we hope), rivalry.


No matter. It's World Cup year again, and the international football phenomenon will soon kick-start again, to delight fans everywhere.