Just one more time

There is sense in this madness. Last time the Azzurri went around in Giorgio Armani suits. That was expected. This time Armani has had the better of Savile Row and has provided the English gentlemen adequate coverage.

Finally, it does not matter. Finally, all reputation that precedes enigma ends at the goalmouth, or past the goalkeeper’s slimy hands, into the netting. Finally it’s nature, and death of a reputation, or the birth of another.

Let us take a look at those for whom this should be the last World Cup.

OLIVER KAHN

Not one to be mentioned first, but one can’t help nourishing that gnome inside one’s head, and that smirk!

Man, oh man, is he sad. But, in the time-tested tradition of gossip, one has to look at the first match of Germany 2006, and see how Jens Lehmann missed Paulo Wanchope’s second strike for Costa Rica in the 73rd minute. It was a good goal, but damn it, isn’t this the World Cup?

• Career rollout: At Karlsruhe SC (1975) when he was six. First team in 1987 before joining the big boys at Bayern Munich in 1994.

• Success: Bundesliga titles, a UEFA Cup, UEFA Champions League. World’s best goalkeeper (1999 and 2001). His three Champions League final saves (2001) helped Bayern’s victory over Valencia. Conceded only 28 goals in 32 Bundesliga games, including victory against Arsenal (with National No. 1 ’keeper Jens Lehmann under the bar).

• Record: In the Bundesliga, 737 minutes without conceding a goal (2002-03).

FABIEN BARTHEZ

Better known (unfortunately) for his athleticism, anticipation and sublime saves and his eccentricity than for his brilliant pate, this Frenchman nears his final days.

• Career rollout: Born 28 June 1971 in Lavelanet, France. Currently goalkeeper for Olympique Marseille. First division debut vs Nancy (1991). Over the Olympique Marseille, wins European Cup (1992). First French cap in 1994vs Australia. To Monaco (1995), to Manchester United (2000) for 7.8 million pounds.

• Success: French titles (1997 & 2000). English Premier League titles (2001 & 2003). Won the World Cup with France, conceding two goals in seven games at home. Won the 2000 European Championship.

ZINEDINE ZIDANE

His is an immigrant success story. Algerians aren’t the most welcome of people in France, if his name isn’t ‘Zizou’, a name the midfield maestro earned through France’s victorious 1998 World Cup campaign. That was the Marseille-born’s nirvana, a state of elevation from which he could easily have retired. Two goals into the Brazil net created another legend. This is just one more time, though.

• Career rollout: Debut for AS Cannes (1988-89), moves to FC Girondins de Bordeaux. Bordeaux reach final of UEFA Cup (1995-96). Moves to Juventus. Over to Real Madrid (2001) for a record 76 million Euros. Madrid win Champions League (2001-02). Adds UEFA Super Cup and Spanish championship title (2002-03).

• Success: Scored twice on debut against the Czech Republic (1994). Then, after World Cup victory, to the French triumph at UEFA Euro 2000. Injury pushed him out of all but one match last time, in Korea and Japan yet, fantastic at Euro 2004. Retirement. Then voila!, return to national team for 2006 qualifying! Among the small change are two Serie A titles with Juventus. Voted the No. 1 European player of the past 50 years in UEFA’s jubilee poll (2004-05).

Those are the legends, for who we will ine. Then there are those who are like the lovely niggles, those fancy scratches that we never want to miss.

Cafu’s second stint as Brazil skipper could also be his last stint on the World Cup scenario. So, before we forget, his full name happens to be Marcos Evangelista de Moraes. Not that that made him any more famous.

Edwin van der Saar’s tenure as Dutch ’keeper doesn’t look quite near over if one considers his form, but goalkeepers aren’t the most rational lot in the world of soccer.

One could also have to say goodbye to Czech striker Jan Koller. But before we shake hands and part, let it be remembered that he is the all-time leading scorer for either the Czech Republic or the former Czechoslovakia — 42 goals.

5 THINGS TO KNOW

The favourites: Brazil

Obviously. More class on the bench than most teams have in their starting XIs but can they keep out the goals?

Outside tip: Holland

The Dutch owe everyone a treat and this time they have the goods. Great attack — Robben and Kuyt on the wings feeding van Nistelrooy — and solid midfield. Problem is, they may live up to their reputation of underperforming.

Dark Horses: Spain

The agility of Casillas, the wisdom of Puyol, the precocity of Fabregas….and the flagging form of Raul. Can go places if they play Villa and Torres but do they have the cojones to bench their skipper?

Match this!: Argentina vs Netherlands (June 22, 0030 IST)

Need we say more? Great attacking teams, great reputations and the possibility that Lionel Messi could play. That’s reason enough to watch this. France-Switzerland (June 13, 1860 IST) is good if you can’t wait…

5 names to know Pauleta: Portugal’s record-breaking scorer, plies his trade in France

Carlos Tevez: Argentinian who plays in Brazil (and is a huge star at that). May not start all games for his country but keep an eye out

Ali Karimi: Iran’s ‘‘Asian Maradona’’ who plays in Germany and is a wiz at scheming and passing.

Arouna kone: Ivory Coast No 9, plays alongside the more flamboyant Drogba. Is astar for PSV Eindhoven

Shunsuke Nakamura: Japan’s new star. Currently playing for Celtic in the Scottish Premier League.

— Jayaditya Gupta