Worlds Apart with the Same Goal

One of the things I like the most about the World Cup is that it is just that – a world’s event. Countries both big and small, rich and poor, new and old, are able to compete with one another regardless of their history, their culture and their standing in the global economy. That is evident today with the matches that will bring together players from disparate lands all trying to achieve the same goal, a spot in the next round.

With the United States and Ghana you have one of the world’s richest countries taking on a country that may not be financially rich but is rich in culture. A nation with 300 million citizens going head-to-head with a nation of 22 million people. And for 90 minutes, none of this will matter. It is simply your best 23 versus my best 23. May the best team win/

In the Croatia and Australia match, we see two countries that are tied to one another through immigration and history. It will be evident on the pitch with players from both sides having lived and played in each other’s countries. But there will be no confusion where the loyalties lie once the players lace them up and take the pitch.

Japan and Brazil are also tied to another with Brazilians making up the second largest immigrant group in Japan. Brazil is rich in football tradition. Japan has recently become a footballing nation, although like the United States it has competition from other sports. A win today by Brazil is expected. A win today by Japan would probably be the biggest victory in the country’s football history.

Finally we have Italy and Czech Republic, two European nations now joined together by a common currency and a common desire to bring home a World Cup.

Eight teams from eight different countries with one common goal and millions of fans holding their breath with each and every move.

How cool is that?