South Africa is the first African nation to host a World Cup - in and of itself a historic event. We've all seen the commercials about the African prisoners that clung to the game of soccer to give them hope in prison camps of despair. This game meant everything to them. Of course, it is just a game, but when the World Cup comes around it means so much more.
The World Cup is the most peaceful kind of war that man can wage. There are rivalries and bitter histories, upstart newcomers and established giants. And we, the fans, get to watch the story unfold before our very eyes.
I won't bore you with a group by group breakdown of the 1st stage. Go to ESPN if you want to learn about who is going to advance. I'll tell you now that projections mean nothing in the World Cup. Playing for one's country can motivate the deepest passion and flame in any athlete, bringing out the absolute best in them. I will regale you with my fondest and most painful memories. I was about to turn 7 years old in 1994 when the World Cup was played here in the United States. I played soccer for my school at the time, and my favorite player was Romario. He was the best striker on a loaded Brazil squad that powered its way to the Finals against powerhouse Italy, led by 1993 FIFA Player of the Year, Roberto Baggio. What followed was one of the most intense, physical, and remarkable soccer matches I have ever seen. The final score was 0-0.
People who don't understand or appreciate soccer hate that. Sports are about scoring points! No, not soccer. Of course, you have to score goals to win games, and the most exciting part of the game is scoring goals, but soccer is an art form; the whole game makes up the painting, and the goals are the most important brush strokes. In 1994, Roberto Baggio's foot held the brush at the end of regulation to win the World Cup for the Azzuri. I'll never forget that penalty kick.
In 1998, I was in Brazil with my family when the Seleçao played against France in France and lost 3-0. I don't think I ate for 2 days, left my house for 4, or was able to talk about it for at least 2 months. France had to have cheated. In fact, a small (i.e. decent) part of me still believes they did. Ronaldo woke up with a siezure, foaming at the mouth on the day of the Final. The French found out where the Brazilians were staying and rioted at their hotel all night. Forget it, I can't even talk about this anymore.
In 2002, I watched every World Cup game with a bunch (read: 50) of Brazilians at a family friend's house. The World Cup being in Korea, all of the games were between 3AM-5AM, and we didn't care. Led by a dazzling array of stars, including established footballer Ronaldo and young Ronaldinho yet to be become 3-time FIFA Player of the Year, the Brazilian squad stormed through the Copa, beating the "invincible" Oliver Kahn, German keeper, in the Final, 2-0.
Highlight from this World Cup: "unproven" Ronaldinho, who took the roster spot of established Brazilian soccer giant Romario on the roster, assured the country and the world he was here to stay with a gem of a free kick against England.
Every four years, we are guaranteed to experience something incredible. There is something special about the best 32 teams in the world getting together to play a game. This World Cup is chock full of great players and stories to be had, and I will be sure to follow them all. This only happens once every four years, so you better believe there's more where this came from. It begins today.
Joga bonito.
I would just like to point out that chess is a more "peaceful kind of war that man can wage." Its also one the things machines consistently rock our shit at... its like terminator, but no one dies. Yeah boring.
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