The unexpected result had been preceded by other major upsets. The teams that crashed out of the tournament before like Argentina, Germany, England, and Italy merited sympathy in no small measure. France, however, has won not only the cup but also all-round admiration for its valiant display and determined drive to victory. The hosts have demonstratedan inspired sense of history in winning the century's last trophy in the tourney of French origin. Also compelling admiring attention was the show put up by a smaller participant charged by a nationalist spirit. The point for debutant Croatia, which no pundit had expected to end up third, has been made even more glitteringly by Davor Suker winning the coveted Golden Boot.

The results, however, were not the most remarkable thing about this World Cup. What distinguished the ultimate in soccer always, as it did this time as well, was the degree of popular response and participation. The passion with which the fortunes of the competing sides was followed has few parallels. It was only the hooligan supporters of England who gave it a horribly unsporting expression. Veteran World Cup-watchers lament that the age of King Pele, Diego Maradona et al is gone with the wind. Even those who have witnessed only a few of the matches can vouch for a fall in the standards of football. The fact has made little difference tothe enthusiasm of the viewers.

The extent to which the tournament diverted Indian attention from our cricket team on its Sri Lanka tour has been talked about. Even more telling was the way the month-long soccer mania eclipsed Wimbledon (which too was witness to a fall in standards and to the spirit of Croatia as symbolised by Goran Ivanisevic). But by far the most remarkable thing was the manner in which the event held the rapt and rapturous attention of people in many parts of the world that were not participating.

Like India. The avidity with which the game was followed in a country where sportspersons of other disciplines keep complaining legitimately about a near-exclusive national preoccupation with cricket, should be an eye-opener to all concerned. The subject of our potential in football and the possible steps to achieve it has been discussed often enough. The scope for optimism in this regard would seem severely limited in the light of the nation's experience in hockey, where it once held a highplace. That, however, is no reason not to ask for action to ensure that the country does not remain a spectator of the soccer World Cup for ever.