- What Can Happen When You Expand Your Talent Pool
Let’s talk about Cabo / Cape Verde. Both spellings are correct. The second smallest country by population, and smallest country by land mass made their way into the tournament with the expansion from 32 teams in 2022 to 48 teams in 2026.
For soccer fans, a 0-0 draw, a match with zero goals scored is one of the most exciting 90 minutes in sports. This makes zero sense for people who only watch the highlight reels of balls hitting the back of the net (we will talk about Messi later). Defense is more important than scoring. I know it sounds crazy. Coming out ahead is not always about defeating an opponent, rather hanging with your opponent. It takes more grit, passion, dedication and perseverance to defend as a team than it does to have your offensive line give you a lead, 1-0 cushion.
A team or teammate that has never been there before is a force that looks different than someone who expects to be hired because they have all the necessary credentials, pedigree or experience. Never doubt the underdog. They will surprise you every time, even against the best talent in the world.
There is nothing on paper that makes sense how this game against Spain ended in a draw. Take a look at the side-by-side stats. Still, somehow they fought. It was not until the 88th minute that Cabo Verde was awarded their first corner kick. Corner kicks are set plays that give you a huge advantage and scoring opportunity. As a defender, you will do anything to prevent the ball, last touched by the defense going out over the touchline. Likewise, you will sacrifice every body part, face included, to block a shot. You cannot score if shots are blocked, no matter how many you take.
Instead of looking for people who want to just win, look for the people who are willing to defend. Defense is more about teamwork than it is about standing out. The news it talking a ton about the Keeper. He did an incredible job, but the stats show you it was more about a team effort than it was about saves made by an individual. Defenders do not even want to put their keeper in a position to make incredible saves.
2. Japanese Culture and What Respect Looks Like
The blue bags, handed out at the gates labeled with “Japan Pride” deserve a pause from all things soccer. Too many teammates and employees look at other tasks as “not my job, not my role.” Did the Japanese fan base need to clean up after the crazy “Orange” fans. The Dutch team is known as “The Orange.” Their fans are wild, passionate and albeit a bit messy.
Japan did not win the match. It was another draw, this time 2-2. This is a tradition for the Japanese fans, dating back to 1998. Win or lose, they clean up. They clean up after themselves and then go clean up after the opposing fans.
The next time you walk by a piece of trash on the ground or expect it is someone’s job to clean up after you, please think of the Japanese fans. Just bend over and pick up the damn trash. I don’t care if you didn’t drop it. Earth, and all her beauty is something we should protect. The world is only a dirty place because of the sentiment of “It’s not my responsibility.”
I am confident culture in the workplace would change if we stopped expecting housekeeping to clean up the mess. If a CEO decided to pull the overflowing bag from the bin, tie it up and take it out (without trying to be noticed) you would not need to host days of training or write manuals about culture change. Everyone else would follow suit. Respect for place and people would ensue.
3. Find a Play Maker, Not Just a Goal Scorer!
Doubting greatness is a catalyst for superstars. They do not hear the noise. They play the game. Their game. Intrinsic because it is. Hours, days and years of training cannot be ignored. The ball at your foot, firing shots in traffic that otherwise look impossible are nothing new for Messi.
Messi is participating in his sixth world cup. His first in 2006 and this one, his last. He is among a list of great players who are celebrating one more Cup on the pitch.
The win last night, Tuesday, was exactly 20 years to the day that he made his debut in 2006. He made history by scoring his first hat trick in World Cup competition. If you only watched last night, or are just now learning about Messi, you would think he is best at scoring goals. He is spectacular, but the stat I love the most is his assist line. Messi is a play maker. Every team needs a person that loves assisting as much as they love scoring!
The Ronaldo vs Messi battle is a weekly conversation in my house. Portugal kits vs Argentina kits. Each kid adamant one is better than the other; quoting stats, arguing endlessly about goals, assists, set play accuracy, winning balls in the air and of course, which one plays defense!
This Cup is shaping up to be one of the best ever and I have not even talked about the US Men’s team. That is another story after the group stage – fingers crossed.
Even if you are not a soccer fan, I encourage you to watch some games. Read the stories of the players. Watch 10 superstars compete in their last dance. You will not be disappointed. With a bit of interest and pause to learn something new, you may just become a fan of the game that unites the world.
That’s futbol in the last 48 hours!