Editorial: Football's magic snares even the non-believers

It has hardly mattered that NZ is not involved, or that Brazil was not the most prepared of hosts. Photo / AP

Opinion

World Cup final is a sporting spectacle with skill, drama and worldwide appeal

On Monday morning, the vast majority of New Zealand workplaces and homes will have one thing in mind, the World Cup final between Argentina and Germany.

The past month has shown once again the hold of the tournament, even on people who spare not a thought for football at any other time.

It has hardly mattered that New Zealand was not involved, or that Brazil was not the most prepared of hosts. Still, eyes here and around the world have been glued on games, many involving countries that barely register at any other time.

Much of the reason surely lies with football's simplicity. The offside rule excepted, anyone can understand it in an instant.

There is also inherent drama in a game in which goal-scoring is usually difficult. That drama reaches a peak when a penalty shootout, surely the most compelling viewing in world sport, is required.

Football is also unique in the way it appeals equally to men and women. For the most part, the "beautiful game" raises no safety concerns.

Football's governors also orchestrate an event that ensures excitement and high emotion are ever-present.

Even they, however, could not have scripted Brazil's demise. But this was just one of many surprises. Teams that look like champions one day play like chumps the next.

That says much about the difficulty of winning the World Cup. It also accentuates the drama and enchantment of this most brilliant of sporting occasions.

It is no wonder people cannot get enough of it.