A lot has been written and said on podcasts in recent years about the World Cup. The politics, the hosts, workers rights, FIFA, ticket prices. The list feels ever increasing and more depressing as each tournament comes towards.
However, remove the noise, strip it all back and there’s one thing undeniable about the World Cup.
Moments.
Milla dancing.
Gazza crying.
Lineker looking to the bench.
Houghton scoring.
Big Jack jubilant.
Paul McGrath shackling the very best when many would have wilted.
Baggio standing in disbelief ponytail in the breeze watching the dream die.
Maradona running crazed towards the camera.
That Bergkamp goal against Argentina (my favourite World Cup goal incidentally)
France lifting the trophy heralding a new era.
The new era lose to Senegal.
We all backed South Korea in the semi final.
R9s redemption arc.
Spain exit early.
Poll forgetting two yellows mean a red.
A young man wearing 19 destined for greatness emerges.
Portugal and the Netherlands going to war in Nuremberg.
Zidane walking past the trophy never to be seen again on the grandest stage.
Vuvuzelas everywhere.
France on strike.
Slovakia send Italy home.
de Jong going for the heart of Alonso.
Mueller’s hat trick.
Cahill’s volley.
Tim Howard saves everything.
Van Persie diving for that header.
James Rodriguez hits it sweet.
Klose makes the record books.
Brazil v Germany the score line no one saw coming.
Ronaldo’s hat trick against Spain.
England’s penalty redemption.
Toni Kroos folks, Toni Kroos.
France v Argentina foreshadowing things to come.
Netherlands v Argentina. 17 yellow cards and a red after the whistle.
2-2 and two penalty saves from Emi Martinez.
Mbappe’s golden boot.
The 19 who became a 10 ten who became the one true great.
So what comes next.
No one really knows.
When the dust settles, the sticker books are full and the last pint has been drank, one thing will remain.
Moments.
Beautifully put! Moments are what make these World Cup's memorable forever, not politics or ticket prices, because there's enough doom and gloom in life away from the game. I always say, when the football starts, nothing else matters!
Love this a lot. Thanks for reminding us what it's actually about.