The draw for the upcoming World Cup is a moment of perfect fantasy, where every nation is fit and in form, with no injuries or disputes to mar the proceedings. It's a chance for the universe to reveal its secrets, like the three Fates sitting by their spinning wheel, measuring rod and shears in hand.
But, as we know, reality has a way of spoiling the perfect moment. The draw will be staged in Washington DC, surrounded by glitz, glamour, and the usual Fifa cast of assimilated and unthreatening former players. It's been watered down to prioritize marketing over sporting concerns.
There are whispers of gerrymandering, attempting to seed within the seeds to prevent top-ranked sides from meeting until the semi-finals. The integrity of the game is at risk of being compromised for the sake of a polished marketing exercise.
Yet, as with any World Cup, there's always the chance that the football will prevail over the ugliness surrounding it. Who knows what surprises await us? Perhaps a group featuring ideal versions of Spain, Ecuador, Norway and Ghana will surprise everyone?
The draw is not just about determining who will meet whom; it's also an indicator of what sort of tournament we can expect. Will the hosts pull out all the stops for glitz and glamour or focus on creating a truly unforgettable experience? Only time will tell.
One thing is certain, though: as the real drama unfolds over the coming months, the World Cup draw will be the first real indication of just how much the sport itself stands in contrast to the ugliness that surrounds it.
But, as we know, reality has a way of spoiling the perfect moment. The draw will be staged in Washington DC, surrounded by glitz, glamour, and the usual Fifa cast of assimilated and unthreatening former players. It's been watered down to prioritize marketing over sporting concerns.
There are whispers of gerrymandering, attempting to seed within the seeds to prevent top-ranked sides from meeting until the semi-finals. The integrity of the game is at risk of being compromised for the sake of a polished marketing exercise.
Yet, as with any World Cup, there's always the chance that the football will prevail over the ugliness surrounding it. Who knows what surprises await us? Perhaps a group featuring ideal versions of Spain, Ecuador, Norway and Ghana will surprise everyone?
The draw is not just about determining who will meet whom; it's also an indicator of what sort of tournament we can expect. Will the hosts pull out all the stops for glitz and glamour or focus on creating a truly unforgettable experience? Only time will tell.
One thing is certain, though: as the real drama unfolds over the coming months, the World Cup draw will be the first real indication of just how much the sport itself stands in contrast to the ugliness that surrounds it.