France World Cup Win Damaged By Fan Death

Posted by Mark Barnes Jul 6, 2006

I don't get the World Cup. There, I've said it. First, I'm not much of a soccer fan, so this already puts me in a difficult spot. I mean as a true sports fan, it's hard for me to like a game, in which the players aren't allowed to use their hands. What other game can't you use your best asset?

With the World Cup, there's this whole other bizarre aura that I just don't comprehend. The fans go absolutely nuts over these games -- like each one is some life and death affair.

Of course, with some of the games, death is an issue. After the win that put France in the World Cup final, the fans went berserk. One man jumped on top of a train and was ultimately killed in the fall.

I understand jubilation over big wins. I jumped up and down and shouted a bit, when my Ohio State Buckeyes won the National Championship a few years ago. I even drank a few toasts to the victory. I did it in an establishment, though, not staggering around crowded streets or jumping off of moving vehicles.

In the long run, it wasn't that big of a deal. Sure, it feels good when your team wins. It's nice to be able to boast to fans of other teams that for one year, you're team is the best. Beyond this, though, sports victories play little role in our lives.

I didn't get any richer or smarter, when OSU had its big win. My career didn't advance, and my family didn't change. I enjoyed the moment, in a civilized manner.

And, afterward, for me, life went on.

For at least one World Cup fan, it ended.

I just don't get it.