Wednesday, May 26, 2010

The World Cup...2010..All eyes shift to South Africa

On June 11th, 2010, The World Championship of Soccer(football), resumes for the first time on the African continent. This month long, world event, features the Men's National teams from 32 countries from around the world who belong to FIFA, the world governing body of soccer(football)..it does get confusing dammit....let's just call it Soccer..for the benefit of Americans... of course, to the rest of the world it is known as football...and this is the World Cup...Copa Mundial..lol.. It is estimated that more than a billion people will watch the event worldwide..

Every game is televised.. and unique..in that.. there are no overlaps of simultaneous games being played. So if you are able, you can watch every game.. if you desire...

Except during WW II, excluding 1942 and 1946....the event has been contested, every 4 years since 1930..with a history as rich as the Olympics.

To the casual observer, it's just another sporting event, but for most of the world this is the ultimate event... bigger than 100 Super bowls...this is it!!... the heart of a country's hopes and dreams are on the line...respect and glory, and 4 year bragging rights are at stake... ...the business of the world will be on pause. during game time, in those fortunate country's, who have made it through, as long as 3 prior years of grueling qualifying competitions, in different regions around the globe...to get to South Africa...

It is monumental that South Africa is hosting the games.!!!..They are located the bottom of the African world, so to say, with the long history of Apartheid, Dutch colonization and the home to Nelson Mandela.. This is truly an historic event for South Africans..and represents a healing of sorts, forgiveness, and a redemption of the spirit.

Soccer represents the ultimate freedom..and can be played by rich and poor alike..a ball and a patch of dirt is all the equipment required.......soccer has no class structure, has no religious or political agendas..it is just the peoples game....this is what separates Soccer from the rest..It stands at the top of the heap...


I witnessed my first final on closed circuit television, in 1974, at Madison Square Garden..with my friend Steve...West Germany beat the Netherlands and I remember that I paid $50 bucks for the ticket......today... of course, Germany is unified...and will be participating....and... I'm sure that Steve will be watching....

I have always been hooked on Soccer...playing,coaching, or watching it for the better part of 50yrs...I will be occupied and in heaven, from June 11th until July 11th.. so....call me on the 12th... always...rayray

PS...FYI....The United States qualified....



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