All Hail the Sport of the World

I've been busy this summer. Reading. Working. But for the last few weeks, most things have been pushed aside for what I consider my favorite sporting event of all- The World Cup. It only happens every 4 years, so I relish spending every second I can watching matches. I don't even care who is playing. That's the beauty of the World Cup! You have your "team" but then there are all the other teams you root for because they have history or they're underdogs or they feature players from leagues you follow.

The Cup is being played in Russia this year, which has worked out pretty well for me. I can watch a game and a half before work, then chat up my few coworkers who love soccer.

Let me take a moment to talk about soccer in the US. Yes, it's gained popularity in the last 10-20 years thanks to a slew of reasons, but still, when I talk about soccer to people who don't watch, I often hear the same things. "Yawn, it's too slow." No thanks, too boring". "Soccer? you mean 'Football'. Ha, no thanks".

To those people, well, I typically want to say Suck It. But instead, I often ask if they've watched, and more importantly if they've watched with other soccer fans. Soccer is low scoring, but it is by no means slow OR boring. I find most people who don't like soccer have never really watched it. Also, It's called the World Cup for a reason, folks. I mean, IT'S THE BIGGEST SPORT IN THE WORLD! And yeah, everyone else calls it football. Because you in fact, kick a ball with your foot. Just sayin.

Best. Player. In. The World. Lionel Messi, Argentina

So this Cup is about to hit the quarter final stage. Maybe I should have written earlier but I've been busy getting my mind blown by what has happened during the group stages. Perennial powerhouse Germany didn't make it out of their group. And Russia stunned everyone by winning 2 of 3 matches in their group. Heck, Russians were asked at the beginning of the tournament who they were rooting for and most said "anyone but Russia" Till they crushed Saudi Arabia 5-0. Then beat Egypt. They lost to Uruguay, but hey, it's Uruguay. Iceland Held Argentina to a tie. another stunner which led that group to a nail-biting "who will go on to the next round?!?!?!" scneario with Croatia. Croatia just crushed everyone in that group. Just watching teams like Nigeria, South Korea, Switzerland, Senegal, Mexico, and Japan play some extraordinary soccer was exhilarating.

Next up, the knock out rounds. Russia beats Spain! Belgium beats Japan! France sends Argentina packing! Uruguay beats Portugal! Croatia sends Denmark home! Brazil wins against Mexico! England bests Colombia! and The Swedes hold off the Swiss. Messi, Rinaldo, El Chicharito, Iniesta and Ramos, Honda and Kagawa, and Shaqiri will all head home to watch the rest of the Cup from their couch.

The Quarter finals start Friday, with France playing Uruguay and Belgium against Brazil. Then it's Russia vs. Croatia and England taking on Sweden. This cup has been zany and unexpected, so it's anyones guess who will advance, but based on their stellar play so far, I begrudgingly predict France to make the final. And I will be here watching. Cheering on everyone. Except France. Old grudges die hard.