20 THINGS THAT ARE BOUND TO HAPPEN AT A WORLD CUP
by Michael Lewis, "American Way" (American Airlines Magazyne).
- A Third Word country will surprise a soccer power with a win or a tie.
- A player will argue with his coach and then be sent home.
- A gaffe by a referee or linesman will decide a close game.
- A star player will miss a key penalty kick during a tiebreaker.
- One country will offer a team myriad riches if it advances or does well.
- A coach will be ejected.
- Brazil’s fans will samba for 31 days.
- When the host team wins a game, its fans will party all night.
- The broadcast signal for one game will be sent to the wrong country.
- A player will be suspended for taking drugs.
- A relatively unknown player will be given international acclaim for scoring a vital goal.
- One coach will be fired a day after his team is eliminated.
- A superpower will finish second in its group but get an easier way through the tournament.
- At least one superstar will experience a miserable World Cup.
- A teenager will make a dynamic debut.
- A veteran will play in his final competition in an emotional farewell.
- A star will miss a game because his stomach has not adapted to the environment.
- A team will accuse another of spying on its practice session.
- A team will threaten to go on strike unless it receives more bonus money.
- A team that has done horrendously during its World Cup warmups will surprise.
