Unless you’ve had your head buried in the sand, you already know that the last couple of weeks have been all about World Cup (soccer, that is).
I did not grow up playing soccer. In fact, I don’t remember ever watching a game when I was growing up. It was a game that was played in other countries.
I thought soccer was boring.
Until I became the mom of a soccer player…a very good soccer player.
And then I understood.
I know I am an American, where football is king; however, it is my belief that FUTBOL is the top dog of sports.
How can you not get excited when you are primed by the following trailer…
That was the prelude to the US Men’s World Cup team’s entry to the tournament of all tournaments.
Did you notice the way those guys moved the ball down the field…criss-crossing it between their legs? Did you notice all of the hard work they put in during practices? I got chills when I watched it as I’ve seen Chicky practice drills like that for years.
Such athleticism.
Such gracefulness.
Because I am not working this summer, I have been able to watch almost all of the games (thank you DVR).
I watched as the American team won in stoppage time to top its group and go forth into the Round of 16.
So exciting!!!
Of course, today’s game was a heartbreaker, which is soccer for you. One moment you’re up, and the next, you’re down.
I know from experience.
You might remember that I watched Chicky’s high school team make it to the state Final Four.
Her travel team also made it to the State Cup Final Four. That’s the state playoffs for travel teams. She’s been there three times, if memory serves me correctly, and never come home with the BIG trophy (although she’s always been a winner in my book).
Such high’s and low’s.
I’m proud to say that I am a soccer fan…not because I’m a soccer mom, but because I truly love the game…the beautiful game.
Here’s a video my friend, Mary, posted on her blog a few days ago. It’s too good not to repost.
The song is “Represent” by Weezer (whoever that is, I have no clue).
Though the men lost today’s game, they truly “represented” as they maintained their composure and showed incredible character in the face of great challenges.
AuburnChick's Adventures 
That trailer was excellent…I hadn’t seen it. And for the record, I’m still not real sure who Weezer is!
It’s amazing to me that those guys get so physical with no pads except their shin guards. Husband played football in college, so he doesn’t get it. I think soccer is so much more of a sport than football…there’s strategy, agility, physicality (must be a word…I didn’t get a squiggly red line under it!); those guys are in much better shape than football players…especially linesmen!
I have been so obsessed with the World Cup!! I come from a family of futbol lovers (my brother woke up every day at 4am for those very early games — oh the joys of living in the West Coast ), and I wouldn’t have it any other way. I find myself streaming the games while at work (during my lunch hour, like a responsible little worker bee ought to do) and luckily, I have a co-worker who’s just as crazy about it as I am. I’m sad the US didn’t advance to the quarter finals, but I still have plenty of teams to root for and plenty of great games and goals to enjoy. Speaking of which, did you see Tevez’ second goal in the Mexico-Argentina game? AMAZING!!