Go World

I have been getting pumped about the world cup since this past fall during college soccer season. My interest in world soccer is a recent development thanks to fetzer field being outside my dorm room window and also close friends with a passion for the sport. And I also should blame discovering Fox Soccer Channel at home. After watching games at the college, MLS, and European levels, I have come to appreciate the sport more and more. While some people find the 2 hour game to be a complete waste of time, I have found that having an attachment to the players really makes a difference. The World Cup is a perfect display of what soccer really is all about. Soccer has the power of bringing people together with a since of pride and belonging that nothing else can do. It’s a game of perseverance, of respect, of determination. It encompasses both physical ability and mental strength. And what’s even more impressive, is that it’s a sport that can be played almost anywhere and in any circumstance. Soccer is the sport of the people.

On the surface, the world cup may seem like another type of Olympics. This is certainly true for the media hype/attention. But I think that it’s a lot more than that. Instead of being dominated by athletes from “western” countries, the beauty of the world cup is that each country can have only ONE team. Not to mention American soccer isn’t that great. So with a more even playing field, it gives us a chance to really get to see the faces and the talent of so many different people.

I got chills watching the first match: South Africa vs. Mexico. Just seeing the enormous stadium at the heart of an African nation. Or maybe it was the bright colors of all the South African fans united under a common allegiance ; something that not so long ago was unthinkable. To see the patriotism, the camaraderie, it was really awesome. Not to mention watching soccer at such a level! And also, looking into the player’s eyes and wondering what they are thinking about. So much pressure is those 11 players who represent an entire nation. Wow.

Ok. so enough with the sentimental. The two teams I’m rooting for. US naturally and DEUTSCHLAND!!!!! Man the Germans looked awesome in their first game. I mean they blew everyone else out of the water. It was really beautiful soccer. They actually play as a team not as individuals. And they are all so young which brings a new level of speed and talent. It’s going to be quite a Cup. I’ve got to brackets that I am keeping up. In my real bracket I have Argentina winning. And in my Ideal bracket I have Germany. I’m definitely leaning for Germany.

As Besir said so proudly: DEUTSCHLAND ÜBER ALLES!!!!!!!!!