Thoughts on the World Cup

As I write this the 2010 FIFA World Cup is still in the group play stage. Not many goals so far, but a few interesting games. I like soccer. I like watching it, I like playing it and am sure I will have a wonderful time with the cup. But this blog is not about the games, just my impressions and feelings around it.

I was not excited about the cup. My Brazilian friends were excited about it, the Brazilian press was excited about, my American friends who lived in Brazil were excited about it. I didn't think I cared. Sharon gave me jerseys for the Brazil and U.S. teams as a birthday gift, but even that did not get me excited.

This all changed two days before the start, though. It felt like suddenly someone had turned my World Cup switch on. I started looking forward toward the games, made sure to set the DVR to record all games and started reading all about the teams. I still don't know what prompted that level of enthusiasm, but I don't care; it's the World Cup and I am cheering.

This is my first hi-def World Cup and I like it! It's not only the better image quality, it's that there is actually more to see. Now, when I see someone kicking the ball I also get to see who the pass is intended for and that makes a difference.

I don't understand the vuvuzela. It makes an unpleasant sound and it seems to be way too loud. Why do people want to sit in a stadium and make this kind of noise? It can't be pleasant for the musicians(?) either! I guess I will have to try it to find out.

I never know who I am going to cheer for during a game. Well, that is not exactly true. Brazil and the U.S. are my teams, and I will definitely always cheer against France, Argentina and Italy (sorry Italy, but I will never be able to forgive Paolo Rossi). As for the other games, I really don't know. I thought I would always go for the underdogs, but as I write this I am watching Spain vs. Switzerland and rooting for the Spaniards (and of course, Switzerland had to score just as I was writing this).

So I guess this is it for World Cup musings. Apparently I am confused, excited, and having a blast.