The World Cup!

It is no surprise that I write my first blog post on soccer. The World Cup in Qatar is in full swing and soccer has been a big part of my life, so it wouldn’t make any sense to choose any other topic under these circumstances.

The first FIFA World Cup was held in 1930. FIFA selected Uruguay to be the host nation, as the country would be celebrating the centenary of its first constitution and the Uruguay national football team had successfully retained their football title at the 1928 Summer Olympics. Thirteen teams took part and the host nation, Uruguay, beat Argentina in the final to become the first nation to win the World Cup. Qatar 2022 is the 22nd edition of the World Cup and Brazil holds the bragging rights with 5 titles under its belt, having won their last one in 2002. It is the 11th World Cup that has been held since I was born and the 9th that I can remember. The first one I remember watching was Italy 1990.

My ultimate WC experience took place in 2006, when the World Cup was held in Germany. Three friends and I went to Munich for an unforgettable week. We managed to get tickets to only one game (Serbia vs Ivory Coast) because there was a draw through FIFA due to such a high demand for tickets. The whole week was one crazy rollercoaster and it almost felt surreal. We visited Hofbräuhaus (Munich’s famous beer hall, originally built in 1589!) every day and met some amazing people from all over the world. I remember Brazilians, Argentinians and Australians being in greatest numbers. Different nationalities would group together at this legendary beer hall and then chant their songs, trying to outdo each other. A microcosm of the world in the most legendary beer hall in the world! Going to the World Cup will always be the experience of a lifetime!

Soccer is by far the most popular sport. It transcends age, ability, or economic situation. A sport that is accessible to anyone and is loved and played by billions of people around the world. I used to play soccer a lot in my youth; the excitement of being on a soccer team, school or club, is unprecedented! The sense of being a part of a team is always a special experience. From the sheer joy and excitement when you win a game, to the utter dejection when you lose, it’s all a part of this beautiful game. The ebb and flow of these moments is what makes it so special. Just like in life, you never know what you are in for!

Like in any other sport, the favourite doesn’t always come out on top. The underdog can have its way and get the W. These moments, especially at big competitions, are always special. We have seen two big upsets in Qatar already – Saudi Arabia beat Argentina and Japan came out on top against Germany! These are two powerhouses that were beaten by teams that are total outsiders. The World Cup always produces these upsets, and it is always fun to watch, when heart and soul overcome skill level! The ecstasy and joy that can be felt by millions of people due to one team winning a game is a social phenomenon. I watched Serbia vs. Brazil at a big sports hall, where over 2.5K Serbs came to cheer on the national side. It felt as if I was at the game, live! It was electrifying! Even though Serbia lost, the experience was amazing. The energy felt for those two hours in that sports hall cannot be put into words. Some things you just have to experience!

Keywords/Keyphrases

To be in full swing - to be operating fully or to have already been happening for some time.

Bragging rights - The informal right to brag and boast about an achievement you've made.

To have something under your belt - If you have something under your belt, you have already achieved it or done it.

Microcosm - something (such as a place or an event) that is seen as a small version of something much larger.

Ebb and flow - a recurrent or rhythmical pattern of coming and going or decline and regrowth. Things can move from a good situation to a bad situation.

Underdog - a person or group in a competition, usually in sports and creative works, who is largely expected to lose.

Get the W - In sports or another competition, to win.

Powerhouse - a person, organization, or country with a lot of energy, power, or influence.