I am officially an obsessed fan of the World Cup, taking place in South Africa this year. I feel like I haven't been this excited about soccer in a long time, and I'm so happy to be back! If I'm at home, the bedroom television (and sometimes also the living room television) have the games on. If I'm at work, I sign-in to Comcast and keep the LiveFeed in the top left corner of my computer screen. I don't want to miss anything! It's so fun to sit on gchat with my father and replay certain goals, certain players and certain games with our own personal comments. (This really is a sport that unites my family, and I hope to pass along that passion.)
There have been many incredible games so far, with a few upsets (which are always great). As I was speaking with a friend of mine, I expressed that with this many upsets so far, and this many tied-games so far, it must be a very even playing field. I like that there isn't a favorite who is just taking off with the whole tournament... I want there to be true competition! With Spain having lost its first game, anything can happen!
Many people in America do not understand the history, values or importance of soccer for the rest of the world. It is truly the sport that brings all countries together (sorry to you Americans who think American football is the end-all-be-all... it's only played in America, Canada and Australia). Futbol (or soccer) began in England, and is now played in over 208 countries around the world, according to FIFA. Now let's be serious - 208 v. 3 - no question as to which sport beats through the most hearts in the world. When people say futbol / soccer is stupid or boring or uninspiring, I ask that they take a look at what the sport has done for millions of little kids in Africa with organizations like Soccer Dreams Without Borders, who provides educational opportunities for children living on the street with life-threatening diseases or Grassroot Soccer, who uses the power of soccer to fight HIV/AIDS. Along the same lines, take a look at what the sport has done for entire countries like Brazil, Spain, Portugal, Netherlands and Italy who can call themselves the best National teams in the world! (Shoutout to Egypt who is ranked 12th as of May 2010.)
I could continue for hours, but the Argentina v. Korea Republic game is on!
