The Jakarta Post, Jakarta
Vice President Jusuf Kalla is not immune to the mania whipped up by the World Cup.
And he, along with a host of important figures who will be watching the action broadcast from Germany, has set his sights on the defending champion to lift the trophy once again.
Apart from the enviable talent of the boys from Brazil, the Vice President also has determined his own ""color scheme"" to decide on his favorites.
""I support Brazil. Besides being a good team and having top players, the Brazilian team wears the yellow jersey. I like it,"" said Kalla, chairman of the powerful Golkar Party whose color is, not coincidentally, yellow.
""What makes it better is that the team players wear blue shorts,"" he added, referring to the color of the Democrat Party that endorsed President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono to lead the country.
Although he did not name Sweden and Australia, they can also be assured of his backing. ""Any team wearing yellow will get my support,"" he said.
Kalla plans to watch the games with his family at home, in contrast to Yudhoyono, who said Thursday he would invite national athletes to watch the action with him at the State Palace.
The President also reminded the public, civil servants in particular, not to shirk their job responsibilities during the monthlong soccer spectacle.
Jakarta Governor Sutiyoso also warned city officials they would face the consequences if they were tardy to the office.
""Those caught coming late to work due to watching World Cup matches will have to do push-ups, regardless of their position,"" said the governor, who is the patron of Jakarta-based Persija soccer club and another fan of Brazil's chances.
""I will not tolerate any excuses, not even because of the World Cup.
Cabinet Secretary Sudi Silalahi also named Brazil and host Germany as the strongest contenders.
""The two squads have 'soccer gods'. There is Ronaldo in Brazil and (Michael) Ballack in Germany. I will have to stay up late to watch the matches. I hope I don't get sleepy during a meeting with the President,"" he said, laughing.
Chief Justice Bagir Manan deferred on passing judgment on a possible winner.
""I am a big fan of soccer. I love this sport very much and I'm definitely going to watch the World Cup ... But I don't know which countries are playing. Can you name some?"" he asked reporters.
