Tactical remixes and new inventions that nobody expected: The World Cup in Brazil can also be expected to inspire the future game of football. But it is difficult to be enthusiastic in view of the problems in the host country. An interview with sports sociologist Thomas Alkemeyer.
QUESTION: Mr Alkemeyer, is it possible to talk about the World Cup in Brazil without talking about the social protests?
ALKEMEYER: As the World Cup gets underway, you will see that this is certainly possible on the sports pages of many daily newspapers. However, it is not appropriate. There have been regular demonstrations against the World Cup in Brazil for a year now. And this in a country where the passion for football is proverbial. The government wants to pass a law that places demonstrators under suspicion of terrorism. People feel threatened by the country's enormous economic and social problems and are using the World Cup to draw attention to these problems. The protests trigger discussions about the country's priorities. For example, whether investments should be made in health, education and a sensible transport system rather than in oversized stadiums somewhere on the periphery like in Manaus - in the middle of the tropical rainforest.
QUESTION: Blatter's stance on the social protests is clear: they are "not a matter for FIFA".
ALKEMEYER: Blatter is retreating to the position that the World Cup was not forced on Brazil; the responsibility for exorbitant costs and the selection of venues lies solely with the host country. This is not entirely wrong, but FIFA also imposes strict requirements. Blatter epitomises the self-importance and profit-orientation of this association. In general, the assertion of a separation between sport and politics runs like a red thread through the statements of high-ranking sports officials. At the same time, their decisions certainly have a political impact.
QUESTION: Can you give us an example?
ALKEMEYER: Let's just take FIFA's decision in favour of the Emirate of Qatar as the venue for the 2022 World Cup - a country without any football tradition, where it is well known that human rights are not taken too seriously. According to the Sunday Times, former FIFA officials such as long-time FIFA executive member Mohamed Bin Hammam were heavily involved in bribes in favour of Qatar's bid. In the meantime, the pressure on FIFA has grown to such an extent that a reallocation of the tournament is becoming increasingly likely.
QUESTION: Do you see any opportunities for football fans to influence FIFA?
ALKEMEYER: It's difficult, the dependencies are huge. After all, with the remote control we all hold a lever for possible changes in our hands. FIFA awards the broadcasting rights for all World Cup matches. For them, the World Cups are only a success thanks to high viewing figures. If viewers turn away, that would be an opportunity.
QUESTION: You won't be watching the opening match in the Arena São Paulo on 12 June, where Brazil will face Croatia?
ALKEMEYER: Even as a football fan, I find that difficult. But my enthusiasm is dampened. I will reconsider before every game whether I will switch on or not.
QUESTION: Who do you think will win the tournament?
ALKEMEYER: Although the Brazilians weren't completely convincing in their last preparation games, I still think they are the favourites. The majority of Brazil's international players play in the European leagues. They know the strong European top-flight football from the "ff". And in Luiz Filipe Scolari, they have an accomplished national coach who has already managed to mould individuals and superstars into a team in the past.
QUESTION: Are there any sporting aspects of the World Cup that you are particularly looking forward to?
ALKEMEYER: Yes, for example the confrontation between the different systems of play, tactical remixes and new inventions, ad hoc strategies when dealing with the contingencies of the game. With the two top Madrid clubs, two teams reached the final of the Champions League that conjured up an alternative to the possession-orientated game of Barcelona or Munich with their variants of advanced counter-attacking football. And the story of the "revolutions on the pitch" - based on the book by Jonathan Wilson - shows: Every dominance of one style of play is answered sooner or later with creative counter-designs. This is precisely what makes football so interesting from a sociological point of view.
QUESTION: How do you rate the chances of the German national team?
ALKEMEYER: Not too bad, although I tend to be sceptical: "We" have the best goalkeeper behind an unstable defence; the midfield - despite all the injury problems - is outstanding; and Miroslav Klose as the only real striker is - well - getting on in years, but still (still) good for goals. What's more, the German team is traditionally a tournament team. And traditions oblige: Le mort saisit le vif, as they say in France.