I've never been an avid sports fan. I'll choose the Arts pages over the Sports pages, and I'd rather listen to NPR or music than sports talk radio. I was a mediocre tennis player and had a blessedly short soccer career as a youth. I'm utterly hopeless when it comes to most other athletic pursuits requiring more coordination than a brisk walk. I enjoy watching tennis and I follow Formula 1. I cheer for Cleveland's sports attempts, and the Browns bring out my inner meathead. However, nothing rivals the excitement and intensity of the World Cup.
Aside from the Olympics, no other sport unites the finest athletes to compete on an international stage with such grand spectacle. Unlike the Olympics, the World Cup has a singular focus: play soccer and play it to win. The games are not for pride of city, region or state. A successful bid on this stage universally translates to transcendent moments of national pride. Unless you're lacking a pulse, it's impossible not to be swept away with the cross-cultural exchange, the sharing of once-in-a-lifetime moments with the whole world as an audience.
As fans, we linger on every nuance of a game. For soccer newbies, the magic of a moment is quickly learned. Locally, fans, friends and friendly strangers gather around TV sets, in homes and bars. (Editor's Note: Special nod goes to the Charles Stewart Parnell Pub in Cleveland Heights, whose owner Declan Synnott continues a much-appreciated tradition of opening for every single World Cup game, regardless of the hour. It should also be noted that Synnott's pub is home to the finest Guinness pour in the city.) The atmosphere is tense yet friendly, as each passing moment could equally result in tears or cheers. It's an excuse to gather as fellow Americans, fellow Ohioans, fellow Clevelanders and Akronites. For 90 minutes, we can all agree to root for the good guys – ourselves.
On Wednesday, I watched as the United States clinched a hard-earned win in the 91st minute. It was inspired. Despite officials whose questionable judgement threatened to derail the hopes of a nation and the efforts of a focused team, emotions were collectively reigned in for the greater good. It was as expressive a display of determination as you'll ever see. Never once did the United States team relent, and when the odds seemed squarely stacked against them, they rose to the challenge, victors in epic fashion. Although Landon Donovan gets credit for the goal, it was hardly the actions of one man who shaped the course of the game.
Given the seemingly endless barrage of negative developments at the national and local levels, from oil spills and healthcare debacles to corrupt leaders and a devastated economy, Americans – and Ohioans – could stand to watch a few games. One man isn't going to solve all our problems. No struggle is too great. We work best together, and it only takes a small group to facilitate major change. I hope you're taking notes, sports fans. We all have a sporting chance. Class resumes tomorrow when the United States plays Ghana.
