The Down Side of Soccer

Chile had to face the its’ long-time nemesis Brazil in the Round of 16. The previous Friday, it was paired up with eventual group winners Spain, in a game that they lost 2 to 1. They were able to qualify, but now had to face the top seed of another group, which in this case was Brazil. Brazil has a habit of eliminating Chile in the Round of 16, as it did in 1998 and in other World Cups. This time it was no different. The star-studded Brazilian team quickly dismantled the Chilean defense and cruised its’ way to an easy 3-0 victory.

To prepare for the match, Eduardo and I organized a cookout at our host mom’s house. You could tell the agony on the Chilean faces at the sight of seeing their national team get trampled by a superior Brazilian squad. Their pain was very similar to what I had felt a day before when my Mexican squad had lost 3-1 in a controversial game with Argentina. The first goal was easily off-sides but the linesman fell asleep and didn’t call it. That changed the mentality of the Mexican squad because they got jittery and basically handed the ball to Argentina for their second goal.

I guess the reason soccer is more intense in soccer-crazed countries is that the World Cup is only once every four years. It’s easy for us in the United States to say, “oh well, there’s always next year.” Could you imagine having to wait for the Celtics to play for another championship in four years? That’s crazy! In addition, I can somewhat predict what I’ll be doing in a year. I’ll be working as an intern and getting ready for my last year at Duke. However, I can’t even imagine what I’ll be doing in four years. All I know is that the United States, Mexican, and Chilean squads will be even better in 2014 because they have a nice batch of young and explosive players that will be even better for that World Cup in Brazil.

In the meantime, kick back, relax, and watch Brazil win this tournament…