The World Cup has finally ended as has my multi-modal, month-long binge of football (soccer). Mercy!
As predicted, my productivity was much reduced by (nearly) watching all of the matches in their entirety.The World Cup is an important and relevant event that serves to bring us together, as explored here in today's New York Times.
The month-long experience came to an end this weekend first with a visit to the new DC United football ground, Audi Field, for its inaugural match (DC United FC vs Vancouver Whitecaps FC), with the debut of English football legend Wayne Rooney.Today was capped off with the World Cup Final, France vs. Croatia.
Over the last 30 days, I managed to read two noteworthy books on football. Masters of the Modern Game, by Grant Wahl, neatly delves into the tactics, personalities and philosophies of current day football. The second, What We Think About When We Think About Soccer, by philosopher and Liverpool FC fanatic, Simon Critchley, explores the experience of football through the lens of phenomenology (the study of consciousness and the objects of direct experience)- how we live, feel, hear, watch, identify, collectivize,individualize, glorify and despise the 'beautiful game'. A unique read.
Back to the World Cup. During the final I cheered for neither France nor Croatia, but for Nestor Pitana, the referee, my Argentine compatriot. Croatia played well but France prevailed, worthy champions.
Yes, my love of football is an ongoing childhood obsession. I am not ashamed nor am I alone.
Back to more mundane matters for the next 4 years.
