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[Odler]

In exactly 27 days, World War III will start.

No need for a Nostradamus to predict this tragedy registered in the course of human experience. This omen is planned, anticipated, and does occur every four years. It holds an alternative designation: World Cup.

Thirty-two nations, out of 200 on the starting line, will be engaged in the battle. Every protagonist is convinced he has a shot at paradise. They will all try to take away from France the most prestigious sport trophy, in a competition that may determine the fate of political regimes on some lands.

During the confrontations, the phone at the United Nations will ring hollow, the streets of every city in Asia and Africa will be empty, or close to it.

For the month long deflagration, no war will flare up, there will be no coup d?etat, perennial world problems (hunger, illiteracy, AIDS?) will fade away in the background, whole populations will live on adrenalin forgoing their plight of misery and disfranchisement.

The World Cup is no game; it is serious matter. It carries all the features of a global conflict, a conflict resolved on the mode of Ancient Greece. Entire populaces support their heroes, and are ready to die (or kill) when they fail at triumphing. Gladiators, in uniform, sacrifice themselves at the altar of victory. Marching bands marshal their songs, songs of war. Old injuries re-open. Revenges are taken. Everyone keeps tab.

For the first time, since its inception in 1930, the World Cup will be played outside of Europe or the Americas, and co-organized by two countries. France and Argentina are the favorites. South Korea and Japan, the host nations, swear they will create an upset. Germany and Italy are redoubtable challengers. Croatia or Nigeria may become the unpredictable champion. Brazil is in complete disarray. Holland, the Orange Clockwork, is MIA (missing in action).

The first game, on May 31, will see the French in Diaspora (Les Bleus) open hostilities against the Diaspora in France (Senegal).

The ultimate clash will take place on June 30. That day in history, one of the 31 starting teams will succeed France as World Champion, and reigns for four years of pride and boasting. Or France will succeed itself?

On the official site of the Federation of International Football Association (FIFA), it reads: 27 days left. That is 27 days to the beginning of the end? Twenty-seven days to Apocalypse...

(OdlerRobert Jeanlouie, Saturday, May 04, 2002)