I've always been an Azzurri fan, a hard-core calcio aficionado. All through these years, after being subjected to much brainwashing, I still remain loyal to Italian soccer. Though the over emphasis on defense has sapped them of their acrobatic essence, I still feel drawn to them; and nothing prevented me from remaining a faithful fan, until one day I was shown a video of 1982 Brazilian World Cup soccer squad led by Socrates Oliveira.

Yes I did cheat once, I confess. But I would be lying to myself if I fail to admit that the Canarinhos outwitted the Azzurris in that second round group match. Till date, that squad is regarded as one of the greatest teams in World Cup history even if they failed to win the trophy. If you want to know why, watch this video .

I bet any footie fan would be rendered speechless after watching this. As the football fans mourn the death of the great Brazilian skipper Socrates Oliveira, I can't help lamenting over that lost glory too. The Brazilians then had a way Read More »

Roger Federer had this to say after his first match at the Flushing Meadows this year:

"I really have the feeling that conditions are slower this year than last year here at the US Open. It's just unfortunate - I think that maybe all the Slams are too equal. I think they should feel very different to the Australian Open, and now I don't feel it really does. It's great for tennis, but I'm not sure if it's really what the game needs. The game needs different speed at Slams and so forth."

I agree with Federer. Variety is not just the spice of life, but also of the game. There was a time when the four Grand Slams of tennis reminded of Antonio Vivaldi's Four Seasons —  each having their unique styles. The Rebound Ace surface at Rod Laver Arena and the hard clay courts of Rolland Garros favouring the baseliners, while the fast grass at Wimbledon and acrylic hard courts of Flusing Meadows luring the serve and volleyers. The four Slams then moulded players with distinctive styles thus making Read More »

Lalit Modi has given an exclusive interview to London-based journalist Mihir Bose on YouTube. Here, below, is the full transcript:

Mihir Bose

Lalit, is this strange you're in London and you face some very serious charges in India?  Allegations about your conduct as IPL Commissioner?  India's just celebrated Diwali, what are you doing here?

Lalit Modi

Well I'm in London, I'm hoping that the enquiry that is going on in India will come to an end, we are answering all the questions that are required to be answered, we are doing some teleconferencing and we're providing the documentation that is needed to be provided to the authorities and to the different agencies that are conducting the investigation.  And my security agencies have advised me that it's not appropriate time currently to go back till the security situation smoothens out.  And the Indian police have continuously told me yes, that the threat perception continues to be there and as and when I feel comfortable with

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I don't know who will win, it is very close. It is between Mark and Fernando — Button

Formula One current world champion Jenson Button has given up and now the race for the F1 title in Abu Dhabi will be fought between Ferrari's Fernando Alonso, Red Bull's Mark Webber and Sebastian Vettel and McLaren's Lewis Hamilton.

After the Brazilian Grand Prix, the sport stands in an exceptional four-way battle set for an exciting high point. Also, it is the fourth time in five seasons that the champion will be decided only after the final race.

The contenders are neck-to-neck before the Abu Dhabi decider:

* Fernando Alonso on 246 points
* Mark Webber on 238 points
* Sebastian Vettel on 231 points
* Lewis Hamilton on 222 points

It seems like the Red Bulls and Ferraris are quicker than us in the dry, which means they probably have a bit more downforce. But if it is wet that will make it much more of a lottery - Lewis Hamilton

Now that the constructors' title has been snapped by Red Bull in Brazil,

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