The culmination of countless hours of training and games. The driving force can be any number of things.
For some it’s a missed opportunity in previous years, or the continuation of a seasoned career. For others it’s gone from being a dream to a goal and then a reality. For everyone though, it’s an honour.
People may think the pressure eases and the weight is lifted the more World Cups you have attended. It doesn’t. It just shifts.
Shifts from the unknown to the reality of the job at hand. Twenty-three players down to 14 who have the opportunity to get minutes on game day. Fourteen down to 11 who walk out to the FIFA anthem (goosebumps) who wait to stand shoulder to shoulder as the anthem rings out.
Twenty-three players who know their role and respect their role on game day regardless of their ambition. It’s the hardest of skills to master.
What does it feel like to be at a World Cup? Exhilarating, petrifying, frustrating... are all words that come to mind. It’s different for everyone. Usually dependant on the driving force I mentioned earlier.
The nerves are not as you would imagine. Nerves only really come into play if you know you haven’t done the work. It’s not nerves, it’s adrenaline. The knowing that all you have ever done has been for this moment. To play your role for the team and it’s fight for glory.
I keep saying ‘play your role’. This is to amplify the fact that 23 players are in this thing. Twenty three for the 22 Million.
The harmony needs to be carried throughout the group. That is why I threw in frustrating. Because selection can be a difficult thing to bare if it’s not in your in favour. Working for the team when you can’t participate is probably the hardest skill to master but it’s the most important.
It took me four World Cups and a fall from grace to be grateful for every role you get to play on a team. I know a few players watching that would give anything to have the opportunity to be a part but not participate. But the unity of a squad will balance on the razors edge of those that are tasked with the hardest role.
From the experienced to the newcomers all players will feel the same way when they feel the roar of the stadium.
A sense of pride no other occasion can emulate. The worlds biggest game on the worlds biggest stage. It’s a thrill of a lifetime.
Hope you’re watching their journey.
