India, June 29 -- Each football World Cup is a momentous occasion, and, almost like a ritual, it is also when India bemoans its absence from this biggest show on earth. Even Cape Verde, a tiny nation smaller than the size of Mumbai has made it to the roster this year. India has never qualified for any World Cup after 1950 when it became eligible after other Asian nations withdrew from the fourth edition and the first after World War II. A popular myth is that the Indian team was barred from playing or that it was disqualified as FIFA did not permit teams to play barefoot, the implication is that India, which became independent in 1947, didn't have the resources to afford boots for its players. Football strongholds of Kerala, Goa and Benga...