An analysis of the analyses of the beautiful game

Our severely over-analytical world has not left even a single opportunity to scrutinize even the length of the grass – to predict outcomes of goals, matches, groups, and the world cup as a whole. FIFA 2010 has given life to not only several analytics start-ups; but some of our planet’s greatest organisations like Microsoft, MIT, Accenture have streaked into the questionable world of football analytics.

Every single touch Ronaldo makes is providing food to no less than a thousand analysts. They are glued to screens – noticing his every move. And noting it down to study some graphs that would help them predict his next (yet to be made) move. Yes – they are trying to predict the future.

But why all this analysis? Who wants these statistics? Don’t you feel the joy of the beautiful game is being taken away by these sleuths?

I certainly feel so. From a spectator point of view, it is ridiculous. But maybe, the managers in today’s so very competitive world end up falling into its trap: when nothing works, you end up trying every possible thing. But even from the managerial point of view, I think it would only complicate things further.

For sports, passion should be the sole criterion. And everything should simply revolve around it. Maradona is a top example to my argument.

It is the element of uncertainty that beautifies not only sports, but life in general. Sports are instinctive. And this is exactly how they should remain – for players, officials, and spectators alike. I sincerely wish football remains football – and not made to be an unresolved equation.