World Cup Dreams circa 2002
As the World Cup kicked off yesterday, my thoughts went back to an essay I had written for the 2002 World cup that was held in Japan and Korea. To put the thoughts below into a mind frame context I had written the essay about seven months after the events of September 11. Because this was written before I had a blog iI sent this out as an email blast to friends, family and colleagues.
Again my thoughts return to the countries coming together on the pitch. A place where the poorest most backwards country can play their hearts out against the Goliaths of the world on a level pitch. I am no way a spots fanatic. However, since there is the World Series in America, in which only America and Canada get to play in, I have got to give some big time respect to the countries of the world playing in the cup, including America.
The original story from 2002 is below.
Written in 2002 by Jacob Schere
I’m definitely not what you would call a sportsman. I never grew up watching or playing sports. When I am asked “what sports do you like?” my answer is “NONE.” However, this is changing due to the success of the American World Cup team. As most of you know I’m often very critical of America and its ways. Lets just say that it’s a love hate relationship that we have. I have especially been harsh surrounding the September 11 events.
I’ll will always be the first to point out some political injustice, however I have always supported the underdog on the pitch. Now I feel this underdog spirit in the form of pride coming from a point which I thought didn’t exist in my body. America has finally been able to compete in the world of football. [ only here in Japan and America is it called Soccer ] The critics of the American game said they wouldn’t make it out of the first round, but they did. Other armchair coaches said the Americans would never beat Mexico and the score was 2-0. The team fought a well organized match against Germany; however, the score was 1-0 in Germany’s favor. The world is looking at American soccer differently now. As the world is looking differently at American soccer I am also looking at America a little differently.
Today I feel a little better about being an American. Not so much because America won some tough matches at the World Cup, but because of the spirit and great team play of the players on the team. A team that I can take pride in because of its diversity. The names on the team reflect the nature of America itself. Names like Donovan, Friedel, the captain Reyna, Cherundolo, Jones are out on the Pitch and in essence truly represent the make up of the country. All shades, different backgrounds, however, one team on the pitch. I know that I’ll continue to have my love hate relationship with the motherland, but deep inside my spirit I’ll have the 2002 Korea/Japan World Cup that helped me to come a little closer to understanding some of the better things about America.
Experiencing this World Cup in Japan has helped to see that the world is a beautiful place. We can’t only think about the evil that is being done in the world. There are glimmers, and diamonds of goodness. All one has to do is to open their eyes and see things clearly for the first time. Now if only we can get the nations of the world to settle their differences on the pitch instead of with guns.
please feel free to write me back with any questions, or comments.
lots of respect from Japan
Jacob
Lucid Communication
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