Every four years, and for just one month, the world’s game of soccer completely flattens the earth.
While the Olympic Games bring together much of the world in competition, and individuals can make their mark in single events, soccer stands alone among team sports in its ability to erase economic and cultural differences.
Ghana beat the United States. Mexico beat France. New Zealand gained equal footing with Italy.
The equalizing power of soccer lies in its simplicity. In the poorest nations in the world, children fashion soccer balls from plastic bags, rags and string.
All you need is some sticks for goals and you’re good to go. Nothing better.
Today’s final game, the championship match between Spain and the Netherlands, will be a contest between two soccer powerhouses, though neither one has won a World Cup final.
It promises to be thrilling, not just because the elite club of nations that has actually hoisted the trophy, stuck at seven for so long, is finally going to add an eighth winner. But also because the victory will take place for the first time in Africa.
It has been uplifting to watch Africans rejoice in hosting the World Cup. Vuvuzelas included.
As citizens of the world today revel in this elegant game, perhaps it’s worth a few moments of our time to celebrate with them.
