The World Cup

For those of you that know me you know that I am not a soccer fan. I have never liked the game and for years have denounced its claim to be a "sport." Somehow, however, every four years I get sucked in and find it hard to not glance at the matches taking place as part of the World Cup. Just this morning, as I was getting ready for work, I flipped on ESPN to see South Korea taking on Greece. Immediately I began rooting for the Republic. My Aunt taught there for a few years so I feel a small connection to South Korea. As for Greece, gyros are good but not enough to back the Papadapalous' of the world.

That's what the World Cup does to people. It makes them pick their favorite of two countries and root against the one they deem the "bad guys." Each match is like a little war between countries with the winner taking home much more than bragging rights. But all politics are put to the side. There is no discussion of peace treaties or terrorism at the World Cup. This is a get away, for many countries, from the bad things that are taking place in their homes. All they have to think about is soccer...or futbol if you want to be technical.

So, yes, I will be breaking my own rule today and watching as the United States goes up against England in their first match this afternoon. England is heavily favored, but hey, they were favored in 1776 too...how'd that turn out? The U.S. also handed England one of the biggest losses in their history back in 1950 I believe. Again, a heavily favored English team got taken down by a bunch of scrappy no-namers. It may be one of the first matches in this edition of the World Cup, but it's a match as big as the World itself.