kicking your idols

I'd probably root for each of Brazil's opponents from here on in the world cup; hoping atleast one of them will have what it takes to beat the champs.
Almost every single cricket lover I know was in total support of South Africa against Australia during that epic '434-438' ODI (labelled by some as the best ever). The joy that SA won was doubled because of the fact that Aus was the opponent.
There is a good number of Formula 1 followers who were desperately waiting for M Schumacher to make way for other contenders and let go his seemingly eternal hold on the championship.

We can probably call it the 'kick your idols' syndrome. I remember writing something to this effect in one other blog a year ago and the phenomenon still interests me no end. In almost every sport people are looking for a champion, a master of the game. When they find somebody or some team with the potential, they support them all the way to their glory. Then the particular individual/team begins to dominate. Now, this is where things change. People soon want a new champion. They wait like hounds for the slightest sign of downfall. And if they can spot an upcoming talent at the same time, they start baying for the blood of the current champ. Some like to say its just a case of supporting the under-dog. But to me this explanation always seemed more like a euphemism.

I remember reading an article which suggested that people, involuntarily, take solace in the defeat of a champion to boost their own ego; "Even champs arent infallible. How can I be?"
Oh and yes, i certainly do not purport to classify the whole 'kick your idols' thing as wrong (ethically or in any other way). Its just an interesting thing to take note of.