Victory: The ultimate aim

The slogan 'participation, and not victory, is the prime object of a competition was dead three decades ago. Mission for win has replaced the hollow slogan even though the players know that the strength was not enough to win the cup. Dunga, coach of Brazil's national soccer team said, "Football is no more an art. Win is the major target." He said this before his team's unexpected 0-2 goals defeat by Mexico in the Copa America Cup Football on Wednesday evening in Venezuela.

Hugo Chavez, President of the Republic spent 1,000 million dollars for the development of the various kinds of infrastructure to make the competition successful. But the joys of the nation were marred by 2-2 draws with Bolivia. It means that the people are not satisfied with anything than win. The Copa America Cup is the oldest soccer tournament in the world the formal journey whereof began in 1916, transpiring the fact that South America has always remained beyond the burn of the international fire. Every year 10 nations plus two guest teams use to take part in the competition since 1993. Till date, Uruguay and Argentina triumph 14 times, Brazil seven, Peru and Paraguay twice each while Bolivia and Columbia once each. However, Brazil holds the best result in last 10 meets. They won the trophy in 1989, 1997, 1999, and 2004 while became runners-up in 1983, 1991 and 1995. Uruguay triumphed in 1983, 1987, and 1995, becoming runners-up in 1989 and 1999. Argentina succeeded in 1991 and 1993 with second spot in 2004. Colombia did it in 2004, Mexico finished second in 1993 and 2001, Bolivia in 1997 and Chile in 1987.

Three years ago, Brazil's second string showed magnitude of football winning the cup beating Argentina's first string in the final. Brazil subsequently lifted the Confederation Cup, but thereafter the decline began. Too many talents and too many booty have become a great problem for the nation' future in soccer. The players love to play to the pleasure of the gallery and become not worried about the result of the match. They want to display rhythm of football to get applause from the crowds. There is no doubt that the brilliant Brazilians have lifted soccer to the lofty of art but the own people's thirst for cup remains a myth. In fact the whole South Americans love nothing but to show artistic soccer.

Football, the most popular sports in Bangladesh, began to lose its position from late nineties due to rise of cricket. However, taking some useful methods including holding of league and tournaments on regular basis, the authority concerned can revive the popularity. As both Argentina and Brazil are the two most popular teams in Bangladesh, the Copa America Cup will become a subject of discussion for a fortnight ending 15th July. The past days of soccer in Bangladesh may return through South America.

Dhaka