Controversy and genius driving the addiction | Dylan White

There are many reasons why the ordinary, hardworking man loves football. Firstly, the phenomenon has the ability to produce moments of divine ingenuity. The impossible is made possible before the human eye, exhilarating even the notorious prawn sandwich brigade. Therefore I pose the question – why does the average punter become so easily seduced by the supernatural forces that lie deep within the game’s elite?Take Zlatan Ibrahimovic’s “wonder goal” against a dejected England side in a recent friendly in Stockholm. [youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xh_KNH8QqSw]This astonishing overhead kick is clearly the stuff dreams are made of. Many have put the Swede in the same category as the greatest player on the planet Messi. His world class performance on the night has earned him a great deal of praise from critics and pundits alike. Liverpool skipper Steven Gerard has deemed Zlatan’s fourth goal “the best goal” he had seen live since Rooney’s sumptuous bicycle kick in the Manchester derby last year. Even the Swedish gaffer, Erik Hamren, claimed that what unfolded before an anticipating home crowd would never be repeated in his lifetime.So with Zlatan already hailed as the Messiah of Swedish football, his reputation can only grow prestige. But surely this one trick pony isn’t worthy of being spoken of in the same breath as football’s resident Hall of Famers?The media hype and propaganda that surround the modern day footballer offer a photo-shopped version of the capacity for debate and controversy that is possible to man.  ­­­Controversy is contrived from a variety of sources, most notably delusional officials with aspirations that go far beyond what is beneficial for the game.One must wonder what Sepp Blatter hoped to achieve by comparing Ronaldo’s turmoil at Manchester United to “modern slavery.” The most powerful man in football’s abrupt outburst was refuted by a club spokesperson, who blasted the FIFA President’s accusations, deeming them ludicrous. The entire episode appeared to be an ill-judged attempt at grabbing the limelight. Suddenly, a protracted transfer saga that seemed to carry no weight exploded across the playing surface. Ronaldo’s unlikely move to the Spanish capital now became inevitable. Some have even argued that Blatter’s grossly offensive comments formed the basis for the transfer to take place a year later. However, it is disputes such as this that generate a global audience. Blatter’s lambasted remarks highlight the resonance the game now has with broader social and political affairs. We all love a good story. That’s why we love football.Celtic’s recent triumph over the mighty Barcelona really does show that impossible is nothing if you believe. Neil Lennon’s side had become the whipping boys for the top European clubs throughout the decades. However, on this very special night in front of an electric Celtic Park, the Catalan Giants were slayed by the armoured Scots. [youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ILzN-ZEctaU]Words can’t describe the emotions, the tears of joy and disbelief that came across the fans and players alike on hearing the final whistle blow. The minnows of Glasgow had marked their place in history, to the excitement of fanatics worldwide regardless of allegiance. As long as the will to win is stronger than the skill, champions will come in all capacities.Football is poetry in motion. The invention through the use of imagination and the suspension of disbelief continue to bring a sense of ecstasy to supporters. We appear to be on a roller coaster, with no means to an end.