What About the Game?

I’ve been watching a lot of World Cup Soccer this year. (One of the benefits of being retired is that I have time now!) Our children, who grew up in Africa where “football” meant soccer, played the sport and going to their games was an activity the whole family enjoyed. Even now our family and friends are watching World Cup soccer from various States in America, as well as from Europe and Africa. I admit I feel happy knowing that we are enjoying the same activity at the same time!

World Cup soccer has everything – competition, entertainment, pride of country, athleticism, aggressiveness, speed, turnovers, fan support, tension, drama, and last minute surprises! Also present are many varied responses - frustration, anger, jubilation, disappointment, excitement, hugs and tears. The stakes are high in World Cup. Players accustomed to playing on the same club team, often find themselves facing each other as opponents on the World Cup field.  

Success partially depends on skill. But to make it to the World Cup all the players are skilled in the game.  So it must take more than skill and knowledge of the game.

My observation is that skill without the following doesn’t make for a very good game:

·         Willingness to give up the ball to the player best positioned to make the goal, rather than glory-seeking for self.

·         Keeping your cool under pressure.

·         No unsportsmanlike behavior, as it could jeopardize the outcome.

·         Preparation and training physically and mentally. (No good outcome if your head’s not in the game or if you can’t physically keep up.)

·         Ability to play in all weather conditions - rain, heat, dry or wet fields- and under less than ideal circumstances.

·         Obedience to the coach

Hmmm. Sounds a bit like life, too, doesn’t it?

I’m sure you can draw many more life-lessons from the game yourself, and perhaps you have! Feel free to share them in the comment section below.

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Enjoy the game.