World Cup
Dear Editor: So the U.S. National Soccer team has finished its historic 2014 World Cup run.
Throughout our country today, there will be those of us hoarse from yelling support and creating some feeble excuse as to why we were AWOL from work for three hours or why the wet laundry in the washer is now turning sour. Then there will be those who are yawning and talking of “real football” starting soon.
Incredulous at how “just standing around and kicking a ball” to a 0-0 regular time finish is somehow exciting. Such is the life and times of Futbol in USA. I am one of those types who are following the 2014 World Cup closely. I love the sport; do my best to coach it, despite the fact the connection and commands from my brain to the required body parts seem not to exist anymore. It’s an AARP thing ok?
Like many, I am fed up with diving, flopping, pseudo writhing in pain, and hysterical gestures directed at the referee. Tactics which only add to the distaste for the sport in USA and are a disgrace to players globally that have perfected the art of staying on their feet, taking a “bad call” with professionalism and if lying on the pitch; truly hurt. Thankfully there are teams and/or individuals in this World Cup that follow that historic creed. A few even extend it further in their sportsmanship. That is what will stand out forever in my mind of these 2014 games thanks to one fine young man.
Yesterday, our team’s midfielder, Jermaine Jones, took a wicked full force ball to the face at a range of less than 2 feet. The full power strike on the ball came from a 23-year-old offensive midfielder from Drongen, Belgium, named Kevin De Bruyne. This is the blond-/red-haired youthful-looking player that executed with surgical precision under pressure the first goal and masterfully assisted on the second.
Jones crashed to the turf, face down upon impact of the ball, what Kevin did next I had never witnessed yet in all of the games. He immediately went to the aid of his opponent, knelt down, placed his hands on Jermaine’s back and leaned down to check if Jones was even conscious. Kevin looked up and his face showed genuine concern as he beckoned for the referee for help. Meanwhile the game was still going full fury.
That simple act, lasting mere seconds and brushed by in a flash media wise, was a defining moment that deserves as much or more video replay or photo coverage than the spectacular scores we have seen. Kevin has earned my full respect and appreciation to a degree that, yes, I am supporting Belgium over my namesake “Flopper” Netherlands to win the cup.
Check out the YouTube clips of his skills and footwork as he drives and stays on his feet much like the great Pele’. Thanks Sentinel and Raven Radio for your World Cup coverage.
Eric Van Cise, Sitka
