The disappointment over the U.S. loss to Ghana notwithstanding, it was an exciting American World Cup run. The broadcast and Internet numbers were off the charts. Around here, it was more than MacDinton’s that packed in both fledging and hard-core fans to follow the real “America’s team.” It’s also been a good fortnight for international drama, even with the attendant, inevitable controversies over officiating.
But how refreshing to be riveted on something global that has nothing to do with geopolitics. Nothing about nuclear sanctions, counter-insurgency scenarios, refugee crises, the value of the euro or the viability of Gaza. Adversaries armed with athleticism were simply opponents–not infidels, jihadists or ethnic enemies. The nationalism is raw, colorful and galvanizing. The pressure to perform intense. Wins are euphoric; defeats crushing. Of course, it’s more than a game, but it’s also less than international business as usual.
And soccer, to be sure, is the great sovereign equalizer. Population, GNP, military might, UN status mean nothing. The U.S. tied Slovenia, a country with the population of some of our Congressional districts. But the soccer Davids give no quarter against the global Goliaths.