I always root for the underdog, particularly in sports. And so I was pleasantly surprised last Sunday when I switched on the TV and watched the unlikely situation in which the USA national soccer team was leading by one goal and - before the end of the first half - by two goals to nil against mighty Brazil at the FIFA Confederations Cup final played in South Africa.
In soccer Brazil is a monster, a superpower; the USA a minnow. In the language of wars and arms, Brazil is a 130mm calibre range piece of artillery; the USA, a small calibre pistol. It is no coincidence that US coach Bob Bradley said after losing: "I hope though that people around the world see we have a good team and great players and it is a big step forward."
My favourite teams in the competitions were a representation of the FIFA rankings turned upside down; the lower the ranking the higher my preference for that team to win.
The two-nil lead was reversed by the Brazilians in the second half and a winning goal confirmed Brazil's dominance of world soccer, at least for now.
The good news for other teams that might face Brazil in next year's FIFA World Cup tournament in South Africa is that the team that wins the Confederations Cup - in which continental national soccer champions compete against each other - has never won the World Cup the following year.
1 comment:
"continental national soccer champions compete against each other - has never won the World Cup the following year."
Mdaraka, I believe mpira unadunda and this theory can be revoked.
I am huge fun of underdog too, either in politics or sports. USA soccer team has come a long way, however soccer is still not popular in US. I hope someday American will switch from Football and baseball.
Post a Comment