The FIFA World Cup has been going for more than a week and I’m sure, emotionally, we have all gone through an incredible roller coster ride. Excitement, disappointment, inspiration, admiration, pride and hope are just some of the feelings that have been felt by not only me but the whole viewing world. It’s the best show on earth at the moment and it’s got so much more to give over the coming weeks.
The World Cup offers us all a window into the passion of patriotism from the home fans and the visiting fans. Travellers have descended on Brazil by the millions – 32 different nationalities proudly cheering for their country and singing anthems in unison. Australian football supporters in Brazil are enjoying the event live and the Socceroos have not let them down.
Experiencing the viewing in front of the TV is obviously different to the live event, but the quality of replays and camera angles gives us a great insight into what is going on. Seeing close ups of fans in the football action helps to raise our own reactions. Seeing players celebrate goals, along with support staff and bench players throwing themselves into the celebration, increases our viewing pleasure even more.
The Socceroos have proven to the world that football in Australia is on the improve, giving us a huge sense of pride and hope for the future of the game. Aussie veteran Tim Cahill showed his world class ability by scoring in style against two highly rated teams. The young A-league players have also shown they can mix it with the best and although there’s still room for improvement, the gap between Australia and the world’s best is definitely closing.
For those of us who also have allegiances to other countries in the competition, the hope of success becomes greater. I was born in Uruguay and thankfully we didn’t have to cross paths with Australia on the way to this World Cup! Uruguay defeated England last week in an epic battle, finishing 2-1 after two great goals by Luis Suarez. Suarez is currently one of the most recognised players in the world game. He is known for great goals and controversial moments in the English Premier League. It’s safe to say that he, like many other well known players, is carrying the weight of his nation on his shoulders.
When I watch the likes of Tim Cahill and Luis Suarez, I see players who give so many people excitement, disappointment, inspiration, admiration, pride and hope. They are the role models who can motivate young people to strive for excellence in their game. How these players show their emotions to celebrate goals gives us an insight into what might drive them to be the best in their game. Tim routinely punches the corner flag and then his chest, showing he’s a fighter with all his heart while Suarez always kisses his thumb and two fingers, representing his wife and two kids.
Australia has one game left in this World Cup and one more chance to raise our emotions on this stage, Brazil 2014. Who will you cheer for into the next rounds? Will you just stop watching the event in disappointment? Will you watch the excitement of other teams raising the hopes of their nation? How many of us will hope to be inspired by all the great players that our kids admire?
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