Reasons why World Cup is better than the Olympics

I absolutely love the Olympics. One of the major challenges of my mission was that I had to miss the Sydney Olympics. It hurt my heart. I think I saw every single event that was broadcast of the Athens Games. I love to watch people who have worked so hard and achieved such an amazing level of physical ability. I love watching people cry as they salute their flag and sing along to their national anthem--especially when it's someone from some random country that had no chance of ever winning. The Olympics are just inspirational.



Despite my deep and abiding love for the Olympics, in recent weeks, I have decided that I like the World Cup even more...and here are my reasons.



8. Team Spirit. I don't think there's another sport with such a strong team spirit. I love watching the entire team hug and tackle the guy that got the goal.

7. International attention. I don't know why the U.S. has missed out on this, but everywhere else in the world, the whole country shuts down to watch and support their country's team. I don't think there's another sport that brings the world together as much as soccer. Everyone loves it.

6. Nationalism at its finest. There is patriotism oozing from the stands. Everyone loves their team. Everyone paints themselves the color of their team and drapes themselves in their country's flag. Isn't it great to see so many people proud of their homes.

5. Irish Announcer. As much as I love Elfie Schlegel and her ability to predict every two-tenth deduction a gymnast might receive, I like the Irish soccer announcer better. He's just cool, and he doesn't make stupid comments like, "He just wasn't going for the stick."

4. Finesse and Control. As a former soccer player, I appreciate the unbelievable skill that these players have. It blows me away how far they kick the ball, and yet how accurately they pass and perfectly they control the ball. It's just pretty to watch.

3. Red and Yellow Cards. There have been 300 yellow and red cards given so far this World Cup. That's a lot.

2. Excitement. I thought I was going to have a heart attack when the U.S. was playing Italy. There were so many chances when Italy could have scored, but we held them back (not that it mattered in the end), and it made for some very exciting sports watching. I felt the same when Croatia lost to Australia. So sad!!!

1. The commercial with the two little boys who choose teams of professional soccer players. This commercial has inspired me to learn Spanish and move to Spain next summer! It's fabulous!!




What have been your favorite World Cup moments? Who do you pick to win? Why do these international sporting competitions cause so much excitement? Please, share your thoughts.