World Cup Fever


In a few minutes, the heavily favoured English soccer team will take on Team Sweden in the FIFA World Cup.

This has created problems in England as it is a Saturday in July.  Many weddings are happening.  The head of the Church of England had to issue a public message reminding people that if they are attending a wedding that they should focus on the wedding and the couple and turn off their phones.

A tweet appeared from a young man.  Roughly translated, it said:

My brother, Charles, has tickets to the soccer match this afternoon.  When he got the tickets, he had forgotten that he was getting married at the same time so obviously he can't go.  If you want to replace Charles, please go to St. Andrew's Church in Cambridge at 4 pm.  Her name is Sarah.

I am not a soccer fan as I prefer to watch sports in which something actually happens.  My sweetie is a huge football fan.  He doesn't mind me criticizing any aspect of his life, but, when I denigrate soccer, that is when he grows a pair and takes a stand.

It is called the beautiful game and is the most popular sport in the world.  The FIFA organization probably has the most member countries of any organization, with the possible exception of the United Nations.  Given this, it is a sad commentary on human nature that the organization is so corrupt.  Oh, they are working at changing that.  That is my sweetie's voice you hear saying that as he reads this.

I have yet to understand the beautiful aspect of it, but there is something wonderful watching the teams warm up.  They are doing basic stretches and modified jumping jacks.  I am far from being a professional athlete so it is actually exciting watching them prepare the same way I used to before I went for a run.  No fancy equipment.  Just ordinary warm-ups shared by billions across the planet.

The best thing about the World Cup is watching their country's reactions.  There is jubilation in the streets every time the country wins.  Sweden's Royal Family is in attendance for the matches.  French President Macron will be traveling to Russia to watch his country's team compete.  There is such positive and hopeful energy, it would be a wonderful time to add some diplomacy to the involved countries.

The news today is horrid.  Trump is spending his time mocking the #MeToo movement and personally attacking a possible female opponent.  The weather is so hot that it is leading to many deaths.

The World Cup is on and it is positive for the countries who win.  The raw joy and celebrations are incredible to watch.  It doesn't matter who wins, the positive energy is contagious.

So, I am getting ready to watch Sweden vs England.  We get to watch them run around and not score for 90 plus minutes and then overtime, and then the penalty kicks.  For some reason, they want to play the game and not just go directly to the penalty kicks.  I will be happy with either team winning, because it is actually a win for all of us.  Somewhere in the world, there is something positive happening.   Go soccer/real football/whatever you want to call it !!!

Comments

Popular posts from this blog

One of my saddest days in Winnipeg

There's Something from Jenny - Part 2

Seriously? Opposition to BORC opening at old Vimy Arena Site