World Cup with Fred: Introduction

World Cup, with estimated 750 million viewers, dwarfs Super bowl audience by tune of 645 million and is easily the largest sporting event – perhaps the largest celebration – on Earth. To put things into perspective, 750 million people roughly represents a ninth of the world population. Even World Cup drawings, a simple ceremony where teams are placed in a group, nearly tripled Super Bowl audience with 300 million viewers.



As an avid soccer fan, I was always regretful of American ignorance towards World Cup and soccer. I cannot change people’s opinion, nor do I wish to impose my beliefs onto others. I do believe, however, that more people will appreciate the sport if they knew more about it – the heroes, the legends, the styles, the rivalry, and so much more.

For this reason, I will write posts to inform those willing to give the sport a chance. My aim is to help people enjoy the game just a little bit more. Who knows, a serendipitous discovery might await you.

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Before I move on, some people may wonder why such accolade is given to grown men and women chasing after a ball, and belittle sports as a pointless activity. I disagree. Competitive sport is a tribute to human anatomy, pushing human beings to its limits. We all have bodies, don’t we? Let’s face it, we are not brains in a vat, and our bodies are important to us. Athletes are at the pinnacle of physical performance and proper respect should be given.

Sport is drama. It portrays competitive human struggle more than any other event with exception of war. But unlike war, sport is not as brutal and it may be used as symbol of peace – there lies its greatness.

Out of many notable competitions and championships around the world, only a few can call itself a true global phenomenon. More countries are registered under FIFA, the organization administering World Cup, than United Nations. Perhaps only Olympics can challenge World Cup in terms of prestige, popularity, and scale of global competition.

But unlike Olympics, where hundreds of medals and winners are announced, World Cup has but one winner, a champion, who will live as immortal legend in annals of history.

Come June 11, 2010 – A hero will rise; a hero will fall. Let the beautiful game begin.