The World Cup is an international phenomenon that pits countries against one another. Players shed blood, sweat, and tears on the football field to ultimately raise up the FIFA World Cup Trophy. This past Tuesday, France defeated Belgium by a single goal in a football classic.
Before this match, I had never watched an entire World Cup game. I would often see highlights on SportsCenter but never sat down to actually watch a game. After the game, I walked outside of Buffalo Wild Wings and thought about why I've never watched a World Cup game. Maybe it was the random start times of the games? Maybe I didn't fully understand football? Or maybe I simply didn't like watching it?
Nevertheless, I thoroughly enjoyed a full 97-minute match between two countries who wanted a spot in the World Cup Finals. Their "want" is what kept me intrigued with the game. The emotions exerted by the players, coaches, announcers, and fans were immensely entertaining. Every attempted goal prompted me to lean forward towards the television, and every missed goal either resulted in frustration or a sigh of relief.
For instance, when France's Samuel Umtiti scored the only goal of the game a jolt of energy rushed through my loins and I felt as if I was in Russia cheering him on. The Honey BBQ wings in front of me didn't even exist at that moment in time, which is bizarre because I was terribly hungry. Football became more important than my appetite.
I couldn't have named a single player on either team, but somehow I wound up cheering for France. I accredit my newly found love for France's national football team to be taking French classes in both high school and college. I had to somehow make a connection because I desperately wanted to be a part of this.
I would've cheered for the United States's national football team, but they lost to Mexico in the FIBA World Cup qualifiers. Watching France win made me realize how impactful the World Cup actually is. I walked out of Buffalo Wild Wings upset that the U.S. wasn't a part of this historical game. This game also puts me in a precarious position because if the U.S. plays France in the next World Cup, who do I cheer for?
Thankfully I have the next four years to weigh my options, but until then France plays Croatia in the World Cup finals this Sunday. I will be in front of a television screen cheering on my French brethren as they battle against a formidable Croatian team. Football is a sport that has always been foreign to me, so for me to enjoy it as much as I am is puzzling.
I would tell anyone who isn't watching the World Cup watch the upcoming finals because it's going to be a game to remember. At least I'll remember it because I found that a lot of people partake in an overwhelming amount of alcoholic beverages during these games. I for one will be sober, but if France loses then a nice glass of Grand Marnier maybe in order. Viva la France!
