Every four years, the FIFA World Cup graces the television screens of hundreds of millions of people around the world. Concurrently, it’s a time when Americans become much more interested in soccer than they would at any other time.
Much like when the Olympics roll around — when casual observers quickly morph into rapid fans of skiing or swimming — you’re bound to hear some World Cup talk slip into casual conversations.
As someone who played soccer from age four all the way through high school, I haven’t been as invested in this World Cup as in years past. A large part of that is due to the fact that the United States isn’t playing.
But it’s been clear that much like past World Cups, the 2018 edition has shown off the best and worst that the beautiful game has to offer.
There will always be a large segment of sports fans who will just never be interested in soccer. Much of that has to do with the perceived lack of action and activity in certain games.
After watching a few of this year’s contests, it’s hard to blame them. Some of these matches have been absolute eyesores even to the most devoted soccer fan. Long stretches of nothing but sideways and backwards passes and interminable in-game delays aren’t what you envision when talking about the most popular sporting event in the world.
Another complaint that I wholeheartedly identify with is the incessant flopping and diving. Yes, there is a degree of gamesmanship, as there is in any other sport. And on the world’s largest stage, any little advantage makes a difference.
But the antics of some of these players writhing in “pain” for minutes on end feeds into the worst stereotypes of international soccer and only serves to drive away potential fans.
All griping aside, however, this has still been by and large a very entertaining — and unexpected — World Cup.
Perhaps the biggest storyline of the early rounds has been the number of upsets, with several traditional powerhouses already eliminated. Germany and Spain, the winners of the last two World Cups, are already gone, as are Portugal and Argentina, who, in Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi, boast the two greatest players in the world.
While there have been some yawn-inducing moments, there have been just as many exhilarating ones: whether it was Ronaldo’s stunning hat trick against Spain, Russia eliminating the mighty Spaniards on their home soil, or Belgium’s incredible second-half 3-2 comeback win against Japan, the World Cup never fails to deliver memorable moments.
For as bad as soccer can look at its worst, when the game is played at its best there is nothing else in sports that’s quite like it. Look no further than Brazil. Putting aside the theatrics and drama that often comes with Brazilian players, they have looked like the undisputed best team in the world so far in this tournament. When they get into their rhythm, it’s like watching the chemistry between a great hockey team — only with twice as many players.
But even more than the action taking place on the field, it is the off-field moments that have truly made the World Cup special.
There have been no shortage of clips from across the globe showing fans going wild that have gone viral. One features a group of Uruguayan school children going nuts after their country’s winning goal against Egypt.
Another shows a host of Mexico supporters giving a parade to a South Korea fan after South Korea’s upset of Germany propelled Mexico to the Round of 16.
Even the quiet moments have drawn attention: photos of fans from Japan and Senegal cleaning up their respective stadiums after a match show the class and respect borne of so many different people coming together.
It’s a cliche at this point, but it really is remarkable how much the World Cup means to so many people around the world. Even the most cynical sports fan can’t help but be touched by these displays of sheer affection and passion.
Soccer isn’t a sport that will appeal to everyone. But if you’re able to, you should take at least a moment to acknowledge and appreciate the spectacle of the World Cup.
