You’ll hear these words often so we thought we’d familiarise you with the obscure — whoever’s heard of Beckham — terminology.
You’ll hear these words often so we thought we’d familiarise you with the obscure — whoever’s heard of Beckham — terminology
Alfredo di Stefano
If there was an award for maximum countries represented but never at the World Cup, the president of Real Madrid would get it. A king and a vagabond, he has played for 3 countries — Argentina, Columbia and Spain.
Beer
Budweiser, Heineken or our desi ‘Kalyani Black Label’ — beer’s the cool drink to watch the action with. For the cocktail oriented, how about a Bloody Mary? (for Beckham, see David)
Crouch
Ouch, it’s Peter Crouch. Before the defenders figure out the length and breadth of this English striker, they might well have to witness moves that beat the Macarena.
David (and Victoria)
David Beckham is celebrating; “43 days, 43 days!” he shouts happily. Victoria asks him why he’s celebrating. “Well Honey, I’ve done this jigsaw in only 43 days.” “And that’s good?” asks Vic. “You bet hon” says David. “It says 3 to 6 years on the box.”
Experts
With Germany 2006 so close, everybody will become an expert, even though they might not know Victoria from Beckham.
Fries
Crispy, crunchy and sizzling hot, since we are all planning to be couch potatoes during the World Cup anyway.
Goleo
The official mascot of Germany 2006 is Goleo VI, the lovable lion (yes, there is such a thing). Goleo is fun loving and he talks a lot. The first mascot in the World Cup was used in England 1966, also a lion called ‘Willie’.
Hand of God
Diego Maradona’s ‘Hand of God’ is probably the most talked about incident in the history of football. Though what he did with his feet a few minutes later is also worth mentioning.
India
Here’s one from Ripley’s Believe it or not. India did actually make it to the World Cup 1950. But we withdrew because we were not allowed to play bare feet. Had they kept their feet out of their mouths at that time, we might have had an invitation this time around too.
Jules Rimet
One thought from a Frenchman became a giant event for mankind. He conceptualised the World Cup as we know it today.
Kaiser
Not to be confused with Ceaser. The nickname of Franz Beckenbauer, the president of the World Cup organising committee, and also one of Germany’s greatest players.
Linesman
If Wayne Rooney is fit, the linesman better watch out. DNA’s advice, don’t flag him offside or you might get more than an applause.
Mourinho
Too bad the world won’t see the eccentricities of the Chelsea boss from Portugal.
Nostradamus
The all-knowing one. But even he can’t tell us whether Rooney will play or not.
Offside
For the uninitiated, watch ‘Bend it like Beckham’ for a ‘saucy’ explanation. The others, just keep an eye on Netherlands striker Ruud Van Nistlerooy, because wherever he stands, it’s generally offside.
Pele
Edson Arantes do Nascimento. We know him better as Pele. Regarded as the greatest player of all time, Pele has won three World Cups with Brazil.
Quickies
No, keep the filthy mind on the field. Hakan Sukur of Turkey scored the fastest goal (11 seconds) in the World Cup during the third-place play-off match against South Korea on June 29.
Rrrrr
Ronaldo, Ronaldinho, Roberto Carlos and Robinho. Need we say more?
Sweeper
The guy who roams either in front of or behind the defensive line to pick up stray passes. He kinda cleans up. Clever, huh?
Time of our lives
That is the official song of the World Cup by the vocal group, Il Divo.
Uruguay
Where the first World Cup was played in 1930 and the country also holds the distinction of being the first winners. They lost out in the qualifiers and are not participating in Germany.
Venue
The World Cup will be played in 12 cities across Germany with the final in Berlin on July 9.
Walcott
The English striker will be the youngest player to feature in the World Cup, thanks to Mr Rooney. One’s man loss is another boy’s gain.
X-factor
The girlfriends and wives of footballers.
Yokohama
That’s where Brazil won in 2002 beating Germany 2-0 in the final.
Zizou
It’s going to be Zidane’s last World Cup. Savour every moment of his time on the pitch, because this is one man who’ll never make you go ZZZZZZZZZ.
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