Copa do Mundo.
Il Mondiale.
Coupe du Monde.
World Cup.
For any football/futbol/soccer enthusiast, it's sheer euphoria -- encapsulated in a cocoon of raw passion and patriotism. Aesthetically, the crystalline sea of color rivals the most beautiful of rainbows.
The grandeur surrounding the 32-team tournament is unparalleled to any other sporting event. It unapologetically captivates the planet for an entire month.
I will be experiencing this event in person. For two weeks, I will take the plunge down to the Southern Hemisphere in order to fulfill a childhood dream.The trek will include trips to Porto Alegre and Rio de Janeiro. We will get the pleasure of seeing France/Honduras, Netherlands/Australia and Belgium/Russia.
My first real memory of the World Cup came in 1998. As a nine-year-old, I had just began to play organized soccer. I'll fondly remember my interest in the sport stemming from my British elementary school custodian, Dennis. He'd play with us at recess, and I absolutely was captivated by his intimate knowledge of the sport.
I remember distinctly watching the 1998 World Cup Final. Steely-eyed Zinedine Zidane and France contrasted with the eclectic canary yellow and green side of Brazil. The game provided wonderful theatre. Zidane's brilliance with his feet was akin to Van Gogh delicately crafting one of his masterpieces with a paintbrush. It truly was a sight to behold.
In 2002, I woke up at 3:00 a.m. to watch the US Men's National Team take on Germany in South Korea. I might've fallen asleep in my math class that morning, but it was more than worth it.
In 2006, the Azzurri won the World Cup. My mother, brother and I celebrated as if we had just won the lottery.
In 2010, Landon Donovan's iconic goal versus Algeria made me shed tears of joy. Never have I felt so fiercely proud to be an American.
It's a truly special game, and a game which has evoked emotion from millions.
I will update this blog as I travel throughout Brazil. This will be a personal memoir of sorts. However, I do want to share this journey with all of you.
Stay tuned...
