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July 28, 2006

Off-side offense

As I watch the FIFA 2006 World Cup I can't help but to notice the similarities between the beautiful game with the royal game of kings.

In chess, as in soccer, there are defenders and attackers both simultaneously materializing into either. The pawns are central defenders and excellent forwards — looking for a chance to compromise on the opposing army's position. The rooks are excellent wingers on both sides of the board; they can also be superb mid-fielders, always ready to control the central files. The knights in their shiny armor, are the attacking midfielders and assisters in coordinating with the finishers (such as the Queen), but they can also be stoppers to offensive attacks. The pair of bishops cut diagonals and crosses from the latter field, and can halfback to defend.

The defending champions of this World Cup, Brazil — are excellent chess players in this regard. They are a complete team, well-organized...but too bad they lost.

Posted by rene on 10:02 AM | Comments (0)