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.

Sportsball

When I was in fourth grade, someone asked me who my favorite football team was and I froze. I told them I wasn't sure and on my next visit to our school's library, I looked for the books on football and settled on one with a purple spine and declared myself a Minnesota Viking's fan. They had a cool uniform, and they were "The Vikings". 10 year old me was sold. I mean, I didn't want to be just another Buffalo Bills fan in a sea of Bills fan, right?

Four years ago, after faithfully following the Vikings for almost 30 years, I had A change of heart about the Bills. To be honest, I had continued to follow them from my 20's on and even went to a game or two. Because I can go to a Bills game since the stadium is only a few hours away. So I did it, I proclaimed my allegiance to Buffalo and for Xmas that year, had to have a very hard talk with my brother about becoming a bills fan.

Me: I just want to support a team I can actually go see play.

Bro: But..the BILLS!?!?!?!?!

Me: Well I have always been a fan, I never really declared it...

Bro: But it's the BILLS!

Me: Bill, you just have to trust me. I think it's going to be ok...

Bro: WHYYYYY?!?!? I feel like I don't even know you anymore.

My brother is an Eagles fan. For years, neither of us ever wanted to root for a home state team in any sport. But he came around, and got me a pretty rad Bills cap for my birthday, followed by the worlds warmest Buffalo Bills winter hat. Thanks bro!

Thanks bro!

So now, 4 years after that dramatic conversation I wish I had video of, the Bills have snagged a wild card spot in the playoffs. Bills fans are going nuts. I found out on New Year's Eve while at a party and exclaimed "THE BILLS ARE IN THE PLAYOFFS!" to no response because I screamed it out loud in my mind. Then had more champagne.

They're playing in Jacksonville at 1pm today, which means the game has started, and I am far too nervous to watch, because I am also very superstitious that if I do watch, they might lose, which could be my fault and that's just too much pressure. So I'll just casually check how they're doing. I may have already checked 5 or 6 times since i started this post. I'm hoping for a win, but I know it won't be the end of the world if they lose because hey, its the Bills. We've gotten accustomed to losing, but we never give up. Getting to the playoffs is magical all by itself. Moving on to the next round would be excellent. I will still be too nervous to watch.