I never thought I would enjoy soccer. I really didn’t. However, this year’s World Cup has proven otherwise but in ways that you wouldn’t expect.
I’ll keep this short but I want to highlight how awesome it is to see each country taking pride in their teams! From the moment the gents and their kid sidekicks step onto the field there’s an undeniable sense of electricity moving through the air. They line up, salute their flags, sing their anthems, and then greet the opposing team. In a time where half the world is in an uproar, it is nice to see some sportsmanship taking place.
National identity and pride is absolutely vital to the survival and will power of a country. While some countries that are playing in the World Cup display their identity and pride less than others, I certainly appreciate the ones that are very open about it.
I’m cheering on two teams- England and America. England for my grandma and America because its my home. It sends goose bumps down my arms to hear my country’s anthem and to see our player’s mumbling the words with their hand on their heart. I also marvel at the other anthems as well. Its a cultural experience for all of us. For the first time in awhile we can all enjoy a game and just observe. We aren’t singing Kumbaya, but we’ve found common ground. Can we relish in this moment? I am.
~Liz