World Cup dreaming
New Lodi coach, family take in biggest soccer event
By Mike Bush NEWS-SENTINEL SPORTS WRITER
This weekend, the FIFA World Cup will be holding the third place and championship games at Luzhniki Stadium in Moscow, Russia.
New Lodi High boys soccer coach Pedro Duran has already seen one of the four teams. He also has a strong hunch as to whom could win Sunday’s title game.
Duran, his wife Kathy and their three teenage children — Dominic, Brendon and Talia — flew out to Russia to watch two games as part of their overseas vacation. On June 21, they witnessed Croatia, which is playing for the championship on Sunday morning, play Argentina. The day before, the Duran family watched Portugal beat Morocco. The family stayed in Russia for four days. The family also went to Rome, Italy and Europe before and after their trek to Russia.
“It was an honor,” said Pedro Duran, who was born and raised in Mexico. “Russia is a fantastic experience. To me, the biggest event, global-wise that will draw the most attention in the world.”
Right after they landed in Russia, and miles before watching the first of the two games at Luzhniki Stadium, Duran said he and his family could feel the energy of soccer fans.
“I’m just getting into the airport (in Russia), it’s just unbelievable the amount of people who speak the same language, even if you don’t speak the same language,” Duran said. “When every-
body comes for soccer, the language goes away. The soccer language comes in, and it’s unbelievable. In the streets, in the airport, anywhere that you move. In the subway.”
Once they and other soccer fans arrived at the stadium, the energy seems to escalate to another level, Duran pointed out.
The Duran family started planning their trip to Russia after the 2014 World Cup games, which is held every four years in various countries.
The United States hosted the games for the first time ever in 1994, and is scheduled to host again, along with Mexico and Canada, in 2026.
After seeing Croatia play in person, and on TV after the family returned to their Woodbridge home earlier this week, Duran feels Croatia could win the title.
“I’ve always loved Croatia,” Duran said. “One of the main reasons about Croatia has the most, stronger midfielders. Sure enough, it has shown that they are there (in games). There are more specific things that you look into, not just in general.”
Duran, 49, has been to three World Cups. The first one was in 1986 in Mexico. Argentina beat West Germany 3-2 for the title. The second time was in 1994, as Brazil posted a 3-2 victory over Italy on penalty kicks.
The Croatia-France title game will take place Sunday at 7 a.m., which will be aired on the FOX television network. Today’s third place game between Belgium and England is scheduled for 7 a.m., also on FOX.