Every four years a sporting event comes to town that is like no other. I speak, of course, about the World Cup. What is the World Cup, you ask? The only sport in which every country in the civilized world participates in, is held every four years (think Olympic rarity), and takes two years of hard play to qualify for.
The World Series? Uh, that isn’t against the world, it is against other U.S. baseball teams. Superbowl champions are world champions? Um, nope. Again, same issue. But to win the World Cup in soccer means something that all countries respect — too bad most U.S. folk don’t understand or appreciate the nuances of this game.
Truth be told, I’m a football (NFL) fan. However, if you forced me into a corner and made me decide between the Superbowl or any World Cup qualifying round, I would take soccer in a heartbeat. It isn’t even close. Strange, that. Must be my upbringing.
So, its time for the lads of England to return to their former glory and get the job done. They look to make it out of group play, into the quarterfinals. I can only hope their penalty kicks won’t let them down again. Fingers crossed and go get them, lads. For Queen and county!