While most people are caught up in what is being dubbed as the most important election ever, a few of us are waging a different war. A war of words it may seem because it’s hardly been an issue. Well,at least it began when the United States hosted the FIFA World Cup in 1994 and insisted on calling it soccer, whereas the rest of the world had religiously called it ‘the game’ (Football). Why you may ask? Imagine calling American football rugby and rugby football. Doesn’t feel quite right does it.
However, one thing’s for sure, soccer is the world’s game. It’s brought nations, cultures and languages together. Cease fire’s have been started all because a nation qualifies for the world cup. The little nation of Ivory Coast is one such example where differences have been set aside to focus on the team’s enormous feat in qualifying for this major tournament.
But where does this passion come from? Where does this global enthusiasm reach such fanatic heights that it literally stops what people do for 90 minutes. Is it a trend that people just follow, because it’s been there? You could ask this of any sport or any profession that someone does that they are passionate about. The old saying goes “There’s no greater joy than doing something that you are truly love.” Yes, we may not all be professional athletes having multi million dollar deals and yes we may be forced to work at a dead end job but alas! The love of sport is born. The love of soccer.
