CLASH OF THE TITANS

HARDEEP CHANDPURI,RJ &Founder President Academy of Broadcasting
My father and I are huge football fans and I have been following the game for ages now. It’s England all the way for me,even if David Beckham’s not playing. I’ll be pitching for Wayne Rooney provided he keeps his trap shut!

GEET SETHI,International billiards player
“Football is one game which comes closest to billiards in terms of passion. I am a romantic and football for me is Brazil and Pele. I am a huge Pele fan. I also like the kind of game France and Argentina play. And then there is Germany. Two players I would love to see in action this World Cup is Messi and Ronaldinho. My daughter,who is a die-hard football fan will give me company.

Tania Sachdev,Chess player
Argentina,because Messi plays for them. Leaving aside his good looks,his game is also very impressive. He is a star and makes the game very exciting. Though I don’t follow football closely,I make it a point to watch the premiership finals each time and in the World Cup,I will be following Argentina’s performance. Since I leave for Belgium on June 19,I will catch the game in between my training.

DIWAN MANNA,Artist & Chairman,Chandigarh Lalit Kala Akademi
“Brazilians are the magicians of football. Sports is not only about pumping in power,but about manouevring and grace. Brazil makes it look like an art and their game is very rhythmic,almost like their dance. It’s a visual delight watching them play. It’s their sportsmanship that I support,not just their nationality.”

Harjinder Singh,Former Indian national team captain and current coach of Chandigarh Football Academy
I am definitely a big fan of Brazil and England but this time I think Spain and Ivory Coast will also do well.
Most of the Ivory Coast players play in European clubs and it will definitely help them. Spain and England too are in top form and can spring surprises. The players I am looking forward to watch this year are Cristiano Ronaldo,Lionel Messi,Wayne Rooney and Didier Drogba. The pre-World Cup predictions have always been wrong but I definitely see either Brazil,England or Spain in the final.

Harman preet Kaur,Cricketer.
“I am rooting for Brazil. My favourite player is Portugal’s Cristiano Ronaldo as his conversion rate of free kicks in to goals is awesome. I hope he scores the maximum goals,but Brazil wins the Cup.