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World Cup Wisdom
July 16, 2010
Let the beauty of what you love be what you do.
-Rumi, 1207-1273, Persian Poet
-Rumi, 1207-1273, Persian Poet
As the World Cup wound down from teams from 32 countries to the eventual one winner, we enjoyed cheering with and consoling World Forum friends from all these countries. Although sometimes it appeared that in the coverage of the event the vuvuzelas were getting more attention than the games, it was a great experience with many lessons to be learned (years of experience do not always trump hard work; sometimes crime pays — just ask Ghanains; and referees are human — all too evident in the early rounds).
One lesson that may go beyond sports is that teamwork can pay off. Analysts seemed to agree that when it came to teamwork, no one did it better than the German squad (even though this was not enough to carry them into the finals). New York Times columnist, Rob Hughes, made this observation about the German team...
"Every man works, and runs, for the others. Everyone thinks, if he makes a pass, who will run onto it. No one shirks the tackles, no one shies from the work."
An even more fundamental message of the World Cup has been the organizers' (and participants') campaign to "stamp out international racism." Before every match players from the competing teams have gathered for photo opportunities behind banners calling for an end to racism. Not something you see at most sporting events.
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Comments (4)
Displaying All 4 CommentsColumbus, Georgia, United States
I would like to learn more about issues in early childhood education. I am a 27 year old graduate student. My interest areas are special education and early intervention strategies.
Exchange
United States
Typically I do not respond to comments -- don't want to get into a defensive mode and discourage participation. However, I must respond to Michael Asihene's strong concern.
Michael,
The "crime" I was referring to took place at the very very end of the Ghana/Uruguay World Cup game, a winning goal by Ghana was denied by a hand ball. If not for that "crime" (or penalty) Ghana would have one the game and moved on to the semifinals. As it was, Ghana missed the penalty shot earned by the hand ball and then lost in penalty shots. So in effect, Uruguay committed a crime/penalty and it paid off for them.
CA, CA, United States
I read your article on team work in reference to the World Cup.
My family and I flew to Jo-burg to experience the prestigious World Cup and be a part of the jubilation.
I must share here that there was no pointing fingers and no mean spirits to be seen any where.
South Africa did a super job to plan such a large event and welcome and house people from all over the world.
The citizens of Jo-berg need a proud mention here for their helpful nature, kindness
and organization. It was very evident that the superb planning for the World Cup had many, many heads working together. Well done South Africa!
The entire city each day
seemed to celebrate the spirit of the events of the day.
People from all over the world came together to enjoy the games and support their teams. They wore their team jerseys, adorned flags of their favored countries, face painted, wore colorful wigs and played the now famous Vuvuzellas everywhere....from the stadium, to Malls and right to the airport. Infact the Vuvuzellas became the unofficial mascot of the World Cup!
The players of each team have tried very hard in preperation and while playing at the World Cup. Let us not dissipate the value and true spirit of the game, by mean spirited remarks. Every participant of the game needs three cheers to have been a World Class player and have the opportunity to represent their country in a once in a life time experience.
Ruby
fairfax, va, United States
In your “World Cup Wisdom” you wrote "sometimes crime pays — just ask Ghanains". What do you mean by that? I am a Ghanaian and I don't know the crime committed by the Ghanaian players. You should be ashamed of making that inference.
Exchange is known for writing thoughtful articles but this reference to Ghanaians shows what happens when people who are ignorant about a subject pretend they do
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