The World Cup: A Global Event

I have not done the math, nor do I plan to, but I am pretty sure that I won't be able to make it to the World Cup this summer in South Africa. Sure, money is a big part of the reason, but there are other considerations to be taken into account as well. I have a job and it would be hard to explain that I was just going to disappear for a few weeks (not that my altered sleep schedule won't affect my regular office hours). Also it just so happens that during this coming World Cup, my wife and I will more than likely be celebrating the birth of our first child. I can't imagine trying to explain to my wife that I will be thousands of miles away during the birth and that she needs to find someone else to be there for her. Since I won't be making the trip, I figured I would just write my thoughts, predictions and reactions to the games here.

The World Cup is definitely unique. How many sporting events, or even just events can boast that they are worldwide occasions? Here in the US we often have a pretty shortsighted opinion of ourselves and have contests like the Super Bowl, and the World Series that crown "World Champions" in their respective sports. Does anyone who lives outside of our boarders care? Not really. But judging by the US performance in the World Baseball Classic there might be some dispute from the far east as far as baseball goes. Speaking of the WBC, it is a fair attempt by baseball advocators to globalize the sport, but it is just not there right now. The event is really only relevant in the east and west ends of the northern hemisphere.

Golf tournaments are kinda global, if one were to really think about it... but who really wants to? Really it is more of a worldwide league as opposed to an event as the season spans forever and there is never really a climactic occasion. The slams in Tennis are pretty good at being global events. Plenty of people worldwide follow tennis and the slams are few enough that it is a pretty big draw when they occur. But it's not the same.

The Olympics could be compared to the World Cup in it's giant scale. Followers around the world crowd around televisions and radios to follow their medal hopefuls and cheer on their nation as they climb in the medal count. Really it is the only sports event that can even compete with the impact that it has on the global followers of sport. Fans live and die by their countries showing at these events and national pride is at stake with every match.

The World Cup is absolutely special. Specifically for me, my life just seems to revolve around the world cup. In 2002 as the world was watching Brazil's fancy footwork, I was celebrating with my high school buddies one more time before heading off to the next step in my life, college. In 2006 as Italy dove it's way to the cup, I was receiving my college diploma, getting married to my beautiful wife and moving to Florida for my first job. And as I mentioned above this year while mine and my wife's eyes are focused on South Africa, we will preparing for our first child who will be arriving shortly after the new champion is crowned.

It's time to get pumped about the World Cup!

Tomorrow... Let's look at South Africa as host.