[[*Endless Road_______Endless Journey]]*

Friday, June 23, 2006

[[A Nedved Tribute]]

I'm still reeling from extreme shock as I just saw the Czech Republic crash out of the World Cup.

They have been my tip for top place in this very tough group also comprising of Italy, Ghana and USA. Their first match where they whacked USA 3-0 seemed to back my view.

But from then now, well, everything just spiralled out of control for them. Koller got injured, they astonishingly lost to Ghana 2-0 and was somewhat unlucky not to get anything out of the Italy game just now.

Following their exit, it must be certain that the world has seen the last of Pavel Nedved in his national colours. He came out of international retirement to lead his country in their first appearance as the Czech Republic (used to compete as Czechoslovakia) and it's really a shame that this being his first, and most probably last and only, World Cup, that his country has to be eliminated at the group stages.

For sure, Nedved is a player I hold the highest regard for. A wonderful team player blessed with skills many would die for, he is a star player unlike the mould of someone, say, Zidane. He's much faster, definitely more hardworking, and comes across as someone really humble despite of what he is capable of.

And in my view, he is certainly very unlucky. Booked almost at the end of the semi-final of the Champions League against Real Madrid a few years back, he missed the final and Juventus, lacking his inspiration, went down to AC Milan in a penalty shootout. You could literally see his tears flowing the moment the referee flashed him the yellow card.

Fast-forward to Euro 2004. He led his country to the semi-finals (again) against Greece, showcasing mesmerizing attacking football and scoring lots of goals. All these only to fall to an extra-time goal against a very negative Greek football team whom in my view, kind of spoilt the name of the game.

And that proved to be his best shot at international glory. I really feel so sad for the man. Everytime I see him play, he gave his all, running himself ragged even if it's for a lost cause. And not to mention the numerous times when he lost best players awards to the likes of Ronaldo, Zidane, Ronaldinho etc.

Not that I don't think these people don't deserve those awards. Sure, players like Zidane and Ronaldinho wow the crowds with flashy skills even the Cirque de Soleil would be proud of. But they barely even help their teams to defend, leaving the supposedly "dirty" job to others in their teams.

Not Nedved, who always looked like every game he played was his first and last. His work rate is simply amazing, coupled with the natural skills he was blessed with. If there ever was a model professional, definitely the first name to come out should be Pavel Nedved.

I salute the great man for what he has brought to football. It was certainly a joy to watch him play. A real pity I'll never get to see him wear a Manchester United jersey, but at least he played for Juventus, another club I support. It will be a sad day when he finally retires from football altogether.

But till then, football fans can still watch him play the beautiful game for a couple of years more. And hopefully, more footballers can follow in his footsteps and show to the world how beautiful a game football can be.

[[Walking Alone On This Endless Road]]*|12:00 am|