2018 FIFA World Cup

          It’s about every four years that I actually pay attention to soccer (or football, depending on what part of the would you are from).  That’s because every four years the FIFA World Cup is being played.  The other years I watch a game here and there, but it’s the World Cup that I pay attention to.  Not that I actually understand what’s going on most of the time, but I still like to watch.      

                Pretty much the main thing I understand is that when the ball goes over the goal line a goal is scored.  Most of the time.  There are occasions where the goal does not count, such as when a player is offsides.  What that means exactly, I don’t know.  Every time I think I understand what offsides means, it turns out I don’t.  I’ve had it explained to me in terms of hockey, as well.  I didn’t get it then either.  What I do get is that if offsides is called the goal doesn’t count.  That much I think I understand.

                Something else I don’t understand is what initiates a foul, a penalty, a yellow card, or a red card.  I swear I see different players do the exact same actions, yet one gets one punishment, one gets another, and the third gets zero penalty at all.  For me, there is very little understanding as to what is and is not allowed on the field.  I’m sure someone understands it.  It’s just not me.

                So, why, if I understand so little, do I enjoy watching the World Cup so much?  Because it’s fun!  There is so much excitement in watching a player head to the goal with a ball.  Then, there’s either a goal made, or a dramatic save from the goalie.  Another possibility could be that a player from the other team suddenly gets in front of the player with the ball and blocks the shot that is made.  With that one action, the game can completely change direction, making it so that no matter which two teams are playing, you never quite know how the match is going to turn out.

                I also love to see how differently the teams react to what is going on on the field.  Some are very passionate and dramatic with everything that happens, while other teams are more stoic and business-like.  Then there are those in between.  Watching everyone’s different reaction style is absolutely fascinating.

                Another thing that helps my enjoyment of the World Cup is the commentators.  While a little favoritism may pop up every once in a while, for the most part, what they say about the players and teams on the field are pretty even.  They are complimentary to both teams, and mention warranted negatives for both teams.  Having the commentating be so even helps me really look at what is happening on the field.  Then I can decide on my own which teams to cheer for, and which ones not to.

                In all honesty, it doesn’t matter to me too much who wins.  There are teams I would like to win far more than others, but usually I’m fine with whoever moves onto the next round.  Maybe if I had been able to watch every game I would be more partial.  Unfortunately, I haven’t been able to.  So, I enjoy the games I can watch, and cheer for the others from afar.