I fall for the charms of soccer’s global showpiece

I was moved when Portuguese superstar Cristiano Ronaldo offered a helping hand to Uruguayan striker Edinson Cavani even when Portugal were trailing 2-1 on Saturday.

Despite defeat, Ronaldo still won the hearts of fans worldwide with his charitable act, because this is what soccer involves – competitiveness, friendship and compassion.

And this atmosphere has spread from the soccer field to the streets.

Before I moved to work in Russia, I had traveled to the world’s largest country many times, but this is the first time I have seen so many foreign visitors in Moscow.

The World Cup kicked off on June 14, and fans, especially those from Latin America, poured into Russian cities, occupying bars, coffee shops and street corners, waving their national flags and singing songs.

I have been amazed by the fans’ passion, because this is not a common sight in Asia, at least not in China. We support our national soccer team in a more understated manner.

I have also been moved by the friendship shown by fans from different countries.

I saw a Mexican supporter and a German fan sitting at the same restaurant table watching the game between the two countries. When the match was over and Mexico won, the Mexican celebrated by whistling and yelling, but before he left, he shook hands with the German and the German responded with a smile — reluctant but kind.

In a bar near Red Square, I met Susanna Halonen, a passionate fan from Brazil. Before coming to Russia, she had watched World Cup matches in South Africa and her home country.

Halonen said she loves following the World Cup every time it is staged. Watching matches at this year’s tournament has reminded her again how sport has the power to bring people together and inspire them to achieve their dreams.

Speaking before the exit of defending champions Germany along with Costa Rica, she said, “Whilst the Costa Ricans fought with persistence, Germany were relying on efficiency and accuracy.

“But to me, it’s always the Brazilians who shine. They play with passion. They play for the love of the sport and for the love of their nation. They play for the supporters that are all around them. They play for their families and friends.”

Muhammad Ali once said, “Champions are made from something they have deep inside them – a desire, a dream, a vision.”

Every four years at the World Cup, this is demonstrated not only by the players, but the fans from different countries who gather to passionately cheer on their teams.

This is the real charm of soccer, the real charm of the World Cup.