Fútbol, football, or soccer. No matter what you call it, its ultimately known as "The Beautiful Game". The most popular sport in the world, and arguably the most passionate, continues to sweep the world with outstanding entertainment and excitement. Why is it so widely popular? Its just kicking a ball in any given direction, right? WRONG. I've been playing soccer since I was 5 years old and these questions continue to fill my ears from those not involved in the Beautiful Game. There's so much more to the game than kicking a ball, or even just running for 90 minutes.

This sport is a lifestyle for most. It's a way of releasing tension and just breaking away from everything. For the last 15 years I've had the pleasure of being involved with the game, I noticed that once I step my foot on that field nothing else matters. The irrelevant issues and stressors become just that, IRRELEVANT. Once that whistle blows it becomes all about you, your teammates, and the love for the game. At that point you aren't worried about who's watching, who's cheering or who's booing. Your only worry is to win with your teammates.

If you've ever watched a knockout stage match from the World Cup, you know exactly what I'm talking about. The passion, the drive, the heart, and the desire to win. Those are the moments where you give all you have, all for the glory and praise for your country. I can't fully describe the feeling of hearing that final whistle blow in a close loss. You feel a sinking feeling in your chest, your knees get weak, and the emotions become uncontrollable. What makes this sport even more influential is that no matter your country or club, everyone understands the feeling of losing and comforts one another in those games. An example from that can be brought back to the 2018 World Cup Quarter-Finals. Brazil pulled out a dramatic 2-1 victory over Colombia. It wasn't just a typical win though. That game showed the drive and passion for the game I spoke of. It displayed the newest World Cup stand-out, James Rodriguez putting everything he has into this game. This man put all he had into this one match, falling just short in the end. Although his team lost, Brazilian defenders Dani Alves and David Luis still took the time to console him after the game. That shows the true beauty of the game.

I can go all damn day about how soccer is more than just "kicking a ball around". I'll do my best to condense the argument. The skill set and coordination involved in the game would blow the minds of those interested enough to listen. Believe it or not, being able to know exactly where you want to go with the ball before even receiving a pass takes more skill than you think. In a highly competitive game you have to be able to dribble and play with your head up, knowing where you need to run immediately after passing, or knowing the next pass that needs to be made before you even receive the pass. I've had friends that've never touched a ball in their life come out and practice with me. Those experiences alone prove to me that the skills needed to be successful in this sport stem way farther than just being able to kick a ball. Every movement and action in the game becomes muscle memory. For something to become muscle memory you need 3,000-5,000 repetitions of that one specific action. With that being said, practice is the only way you'll develop the skills. It takes time and effort, you can't be the best without the motivation.

I can't just sit here and type out an explanation to prove the games beauty. I challenge all of you that haven't yet watched a professional soccer match to do so. The chills you'll experience being a part of a huge crowd, all hungry to watch a great match, are unlike any you've experienced before. Believe it or not, it'll change your view of the entire game.

"I don’t believe skill was, or ever will be, the result of coaches. It is a result of a love affair between the child and the ball." – Roy Maurice Keane