Wake up for World Cup!
I am a football idiot. I do not know how to play the sport, but it does not mean I do not appreciate the game. A yellow or a red card means the same thing to me. But I do love how the crowd erupts! Flag-waiving fans jump up and scream, while others cover their faces in mournful silence. Emotions are high in this beautiful game.
The World Cup has rocked the whole planet since its start on June 12. But where was I when the Dutch shamed defending champion Spain, 5-1? I was in my room, sleeping. And when Uruguay striker Luis Suarezbit an Italian defender, I was curling up in bed, hugging my own pillow. It is time to wake up!
Out of 32 countries, we are down to the dangerous knockout stage of 16. Sadly, the four Asian countries that qualified - Australia, Iran, Japan, and Korea - have been eliminated. I wish I could see the day when the Philippine Azkals play for the World Cup so I would paint my face with our flag and shout "Ole! Ole! Ole!" with the rest of the world.
For now, I have to pick up a foreign team, as it is the only way to enjoy the games. In 2010, I found myself rooting for Wesley Sneijder and the Netherlands simply because orange was my favorite color in childhood. I am rooting for the same Oranje team along with the home team, Brazil, which spent billions of dollars in stadiums and infrastructures to host this year's World Cup.
Brazil has won five World Cup titles, but the last one was in 2002, when Brazilian legend, Ronaldo, ruled the tournament with eight goals. The Netherlands has yet to win a title, although the Dutch fought for it in 1974, 1978, and 2010. I would be excited to see either of these teams reach the Finals.
Because joining a World Cup is still a dream, we are divided on this global event. You may root for Argentina with the best player in the world, Lionel Messi, in its fold. Or you can go with powerhouses France and Germany, or African nations Nigeria and Algeria, or football underdog USA, or you can go with me for Brazil and the Netherlands.
Last Sunday morning, between 12:00 to 3:00 A.M., I was in a sports bar watching the knockout match between Brazil and Chile. There were foreigners inside, but the loudest cheers came from fellow Filipinos rooting for Chile. It was an exciting match that ended with a tie, 1-1, leading to a penalty shootout.
During the penalty, the score was tied again at 2-2 with one player left on each team. Brazil's leading scorer, Neymar, was the last to kick for the host team. He kissed the ball and then, bang, put a beautiful shot in the corner! The crowd erupted. And when Chile's last striker bungled his shot, all of Brazil celebrated. Like a child, Neymar knelt and wept. He just saved his country.
On Monday morning, I was in the same sports bar rooting for the Netherlands against Mexico. What a fantastic game! Down 1-0, Wesley Sneijdertied the score in the last two minutes! Klaas-Jan Huntelaar followed it with a penalty goal, and the Dutch broke Mexican hearts.
Football is a beautiful game. And the World Cup has the planet's most passionate fans with faces printed with their national colors, beautiful people rooting for their beautiful countries. Colorful and vibrant, it evokes pride of country and with it tears of victory and defeat.
Folks, it is time to wake up for the World Cup!
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