Sunday, June 27, 2010

Running into the knockout stages of the World Cup, I, Clarence Lee, seem dangerously close to getting my butt permanately and irreversibly glued to the couch and the same must be said about the fans of the16 nations battling for their nation's glory.

Theres only one way to describe the experience watching an interesting soccer match.
I.........dunt have much to say...just watch this.
Some background information though,
this is the reaction of the Americans to the winning goal Landon Donovan's (USA) against Slovakia at the 92nd minute sending the nation into raptures of joy.
THE LAST MINUTE.
An absolute howler, just when you think its time to switch off your set box.
(Special attention should be dedicated to the 3.23 minute. Trust me, you will laugh your ass off)



Did you see that?????
Did you see THE MOST EPIC FACE of all time?!?!?
Look, if it werent for that hysterical dude exclaiming 'Goal!!!!' or 'USA!!!'
you would have thought that he just heard the 4th number of his 4D ticket off the television!
And just look at how he slides down that staircase!
Pure ecstasy I would say, to ignore the pain on your butt!!

How can you not break into a smile when you watch that atmosphere of suspense and agony explode into sudden exhilaration and joy?? 

 I didnt exactly watch that match in detail though,
I had thought the Portugal vs Brazil match HAD to be more eventful.
But like always,
you'll be caught off guard....

Much of history has been re-written in this world cup.
For all those soccer-dummies out there,
France and Italy have already bowed out early from the competition,
a major blow for the European's footballing reputation.
Asians for the for the first time are performing rather well in this South African territory,
with S.Korea and Japan reaching the top 16,
defying beliefs that the yellow skinned dudes will never make it big in the sport.
The South Americans, on the other hand are in top form,
playing brilliantly even at their worst,
and they look certain into breaking new ground in the quarter finals as the competition proceeds.

It has been a roller coaster of all sorts-
the underdogs shocking the giants;
the losers leading revolts,
and the arrogant being humbled by the modest.
Tempers have been raised,
and much tears have flowed.

Even Politics have come into play,
now that France and Italy are out so early for the first time in XXX years,
that ignominy is hard for either nations to bear.
The government of both countries have vowed to investigate into their failures,
to right the wrongs,
and perhaps even,
to blame the culpable.

Soccer is not only about 22 men kicking a dumb ball,
it is about everything and everyone being put together.

And the world will celebrate and cry as one in perhaps the most dramatic sport ever played by mankind. 

Long Live football. =)