World Cup offers window into global world of soccer fandom

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  • Kurt Johnson
    Kurt Johnson
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What’s not to like about the World Cup.
There is drama, lots of action, incredible athleticism and oh so much emotion on the world stage it grabs your attention, even if you don’t understand the rules of the game.
I count myself in that crowd, as soccer wasn’t one of the activities I gave a go back in the day. Youth soccer is hugely popular these days, as more than 300 kiddos show up each Saturday morning for the Optimist Youth Soccer program even here in Aurora. That early exposure to the sport makes all the difference, which has played out in recent years with the birth and growth of boys and girls Huskies soccer. I had to pinch-hit for ANR’s well-versed sports editor and cover the Huskies for one game last year, which was a job stretch I thoroughly enjoyed.
But, for those of us who didn’t kick a ball of that shape or size around as a kid, soccer is a foreign game. I don’t understand the X’s and O’s of strategy, who is on offense and/or defense, and what, exactly, constitutes a foul. I have no real skin in the game.
Watching the World Cup in recent weeks drives that point home in a big way, at least for me. Nations around the world have this event circled on their calendars far in advance, watching as all-star teams are selected and primed for the global stage. It’s a very big deal, more so perhaps in the US now than it ever has been, at least in my perception.
I have to admit that my personal interest in the game went up several notches after spending time with our soon-to-be son-in-law, Steve Spangler, who grew up playing all kinds of sports, with soccer his game of choice. Steve played Pac-12 soccer at Oregon State, then went on to a brief pro career in goal for Sporting Kansas City before an injury ended his career. I watched a World Cup game with him four years ago, gaining a whole new perspective on the game inside the game, as well as the athleticism required to play soccer at that level.
Saturday’s quarterfinal round games were a hoot, even though the Americans weren’t on the pitch over in Qatar. The US team made a good showing this time around, though clearly the red, white and blue is playing catchup when matched against nations that treat soccer as THE sport of sports.
The look on the faces of players, coaches, and especially flag-wearing fans in the stands says all you need to know about World Cup soccer. They are totally vested in their teams, evidenced by grown men weeping in each other’s arms after Brazil’s upset loss. They’re all in, not just for the sport of it, but for the national pride that goes to the winner.
That, to me, is worth watching in and of itself. 
KURT JOHNSON can be reached at kjohnson@ hamilton.net