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Tunde Oyedoyin
TUMO6566@aol.com
London, UK

The World Cup is a window of opportunities for players

he excitement in the air in most parts of London was literally tangible as the World cup kicked off last friday. Even though I could not see the minute the first ball was kicked, I still savoured the good moment when the programmed radio in my car announced the arrival of the first goal of the mundial. Not surprisingly, the commentator noted that the first goal of the world cup is interestingly against the world champions, France.

At that instant, I felt the need to increase the speed of my automatic automobile, but the traffic lights would not permit me as the green light that beckoned me to run faster instantly gave way to orange and subsequently, red. That notwithstanding, I was much delighted at the creativity ofSenegalese players in celebrating goals. If the first half goal that elevated Senegal to the centre stage of world football was a masterpiece, then the celebration that greeted the goal was absolutely phenomenal. I don't want to believe it was planned, such things are most of the times, momentous, they cannot be reproduced in exactly the same fashion.

While the Senegalese are currently enjoying the reward of their deserving victory, the other side of the story is that El Hadji Diouf, the reigning African footballer of the year will be exhibiting his skills alongside the best legs in Europe next season in the colours of Liverpool. No matter what happens in their next two games, Diouf has captivated Gerrad Houllier so much that only a medical examination stands between him and the Merseyside. At a reasonable price of £9.25 million, Diouf can impose his creativity and talent on the Premiership when the season reopens in August. The most dramatic episode of Diouf's move to Anfield is that, had Houllier not moved quickly, maybe he would have put pen to paper for Valencia.

Last Tuesday, the Telegraph reports that Diouf's team mate, Salif Diao has also being targeted for a take-over by the Merceysiders .One of the lessons of the World cup is that it is a window of opportunities for players who take their game seriously. Any player featuring in the tournament should know he's been presented with the opportunity of a lifetime. As for Diao, he can cause a big problem for his admirers as it is also on record that the double champions of English football, Arsenal,are keeping a close watch on him. What an opportunity? Having two of the topmost sides in the Premiership and Europe compete for your signature, that's the kind of problem most players would pray to have.

Still on Diouf, having scored eight goals for his country in the qualifying matches, there would be no better way to crown his efforts than to keep on impressing his would be manager and others alike. Although the temptation could be there for some players to be selfish, but contemporary managers on and off the field of football are more interested in team players than lone stars. This is what Houllier has to say about his new boy: 'I admired the performance of El Hadji Diouf, who gave a vivid demonstration of the qualities that will make him a success in the Premiership. What a fighter! In a way it is wrong to single out any of the Senegalese players, for their work rate as a team was outstanding, absolutely outstanding and there are others, such as Salif Diao in the midfield, who are more than capable of holding their own against in Europe's most demanding leagues. But one thing I like about Diouf is that he epitomises that team spirit."

The fact that Houllier is French notwithstanding, Diouf is a player worth going for. While it would be great to have as many as three or four African teams go into the second round, their presence in Europe can be enhanced if they continue to put on good performances throughout the duration of this competition. Another player who can turn his career round is Efe Sodje. having featured in Onigbinde's plans and also putting on a good display against Argentina before his substitution, Sodje can make his departure from relegated Crewe Alexandra a reality with some no nonsense tackling. If he leaps above friends and foes to nod in a goal like he did against the Republic Of Ireland during one of the Eagles warm up matches, Sodje can be sure a lot of calls would be waiting for him on his answer phone.It wouldn't be a good experience to have played before billions of soccer followers and then return to play in the second division.

In essence, the Mundial is a win-win scenario. A good performance for your country and you're in the best of European Leagues. One of the reasons I'll look forward to the arrival of the Senegalese duo in the premiership is because of their creativity in celebrating goals. It would also be great if Julius Aghahova gets the dream chance he's always wanted. A Nigerian repeatedly drummed it in my ears yesterday that she was denied the opportunity of seeing those somersaults. So, let's get some good displays from all those wanting to join the likes of Kanu and Babayaro in London. One thing for sure is that London is home to any player worth his salt.

The same applies to Ike Shorunmu. After watching him keep the scoreline at 2-1 when the Eagles beat Micky Mccarthy's team in Dublin, a friend, Tony Banjo, pleaded with him to keep drinking whatever he's been drinking. Although Tony himself said he wouldn't mind if Shorunmu shares the drink with him, I had to remind him that would not be possible as he might snatch his number one spot from him. However, on a possible note, the likes of Taribo West, Ike Shorunmu and Okocha can be on their way to London once the competition is over. Come on boys, why not seize this moment and make it evergreen both for your countries and your future.

It takes sometimes, one moment of brilliance to make an eternal impression. Michael Owen was just one among the English talents Glenn Hoddle took on an adventure of France four years ago. Owen wanted nothing more than just five minutes of every game, but he got just one goal that was the beginning of a turn around. A new lucrative contract and being capped as European Footballer of the year are some of the rewards of that moment of excellence. If Owen can do it, Aghahova can do it, Sodje can, so also is Okocha and Taribo.