In 1986, I watched my first soccer match on my parents' big box television. I was six, and ever since then, I have dreamed of attending the World Cup.
This year, I traveled to Brazil to make my dream a reality. The first match I attended was between Australia and Spain. Within minutes of walking into the stadium, I found myself surrounded by the excited fans, talking and cheering together. Unlike what one normally sees on the news, this match was mainly peaceful except for one fight. When the fight started, the whole section began chanting(呼喊)with one voice, asking those fighting to stop. When they didn't, therabble-rouserswere sent out by security guards minutes later.
What struck me about the games I attended was the sense of camaraderie. I met soccer fans from different countries. Sometimes we were cheering for the same team and sometimes for opposite teams, but that didn't stop us from becoming friends. The stands were not divided between teams, and the interaction was often spirit-lifting.
I also watched the game in Sao Paulo that ousted(淘汰)Brazil from the World Cup. I was with friends at a large bar which hosted a mix of Brazilian and German supporters. As Germany scored one goal after another, the sadness and even tears were visible on the faces of Brazilians. But German fans came to the Brazilians to comfort them and apologize that the game was ending with such a big gap. Everyone was hoping for a good match.
What I love about the World Cup is that it provides a chance for people to learn about other countries and cultures. People learn about the countries of the teams they support and about their opponents' history and culture. Soccer is a game that not only gives people the chance to learn about each other but also has the potential to unite people.
Sports can be a dividing force, but the true spirit of sports is about unity and fun. The matches at this World Cup have been exactly that so far, and I hope it remains so.
