Krishnamachari Srikkanth, Chairman, Selection Committee, BCCI
I'm really looking forward to it and although I'm not a hardcore football follower — tennis is my second love — I will watch it whenever I can. I don't have a favourite team or player at the moment but I clearly remember the 1986 World Cup. We were touring England then, and myself and Sunil Gavaskar used to follow it closely on the television. Maradona's Argentina winning the Cup was a great memory.
K. Sankar, ex-FIFA assistant referee
Having had the honour of being right there on the turf in Japan during the 2002 edition and watching world class players so close, yes, each World Cup brings back fond memories. Given a choice, I will still wish to watch action from close. One never gets tired watching the brilliant moments of the world's most popular game. This time I am sure not only will the playing action be outstanding, but refereeing will also be of the highest order. FIFA Confederation cup held as a prelude to this in South Africa gave a glimpse of how fit, strong and assertive referees can be.
My favourite team is Brazil and I love to watch Argentina play. This year my eyes will be on Lionel Messi. Having said that, I feel this year there are too many teams aspiring for greatness. I really wish that an African nation makes it to the final and maybe play Brazil!
Syed Sabir Pasha, Former Indian football player
Brazil will be the team to watch and yes, Argentina will not be far behind. I hope Messi delivers. Usually a great player finds it difficult to play the same effective way for the country as he does for the club. There is that extra that every player digs into when playing for the country and the pressure will be high. I will love to see an African country come to the fore. I also expect that at least Korea from the Asian region making a mark, perhaps reaching the semifinals again. My dream final will be Brazil vs. Argentina.
C.M. Ranjith, India junior football coach
This is a World Cup where predictions can truly go awry; so many are in the run. Though Brazil is always my favourite, I cannot rule out Netherlands, Spain and even England, which is really playing well. Then there are the African countries which are bound to do more than hitherto. There are Messi, Rooney, Robben and many more; each brilliant in his own way and awesome on a given day. As a coach now, my interest will also be in the team-formation. Unlike spectators who would be glued to the ball, I will be keen to watch the reaction of the defence in the face of a developing attack, player positioning and runs off the ball.
As told to S. RAM MAHESH and S.R. SURYANARAYAN
