Trump’s meddling in the FIFA World Cup may have cost us America’s win
Regarding “American fans saw a night of hope turn to World Cup disappointment, in photos,” (July 7): Again, the U.S. made an inglorious exit from the World Cup. This time, it wasn’t simply a lack of ability to perform at a higher level. It was, I believe, a direct outcome of ill-advised political maneuvering on the part of two men of similar ilk, inserting themselves into the conversation to the point of changing the course of a do-or-die match.
We all know that sport has many psychological components, and I do think our young U.S. team allowed themselves to be influenced by the negative karma surrounding the political interference. Simultaneously, the Belgians used the unseemly politics as a motivator. How many times, from a pick-up game on a dirt field to a match like the U.S.’s last, has a team used a perceived (or justified) grievance to fire up their desire and play their best ball?
And, as the ones being “helped,” the U.S. players turned into an unrecognizable group, depending on the president’s unethical interference to “save” their run by getting one talented guy (of two dozen) reinstated.
The illegitimacy of the red card shown to Folarin Balogun became moot, no longer a motivator for the U.S. side. Instead, the unseemly “backroom” manipulation gave the Belgians the motivating grievance. Just check out their “Trump dance” celebration at the close of the match!
The moment FIFA President Gianni Infantino awarded the president his special trophy replica, U.S. politics entered this contest, to the detriment of the country, the fans and the sport, but especially to the players who had, up to the second-to-last match, brought talent, effort and joy to this endeavor.
Regarding “World Cup semifinals: Houston FiFA Fan Fest draws crowds for games,” (July 15): As a 12-year-old kid who truly enjoyed Houston hosting the FIFA World Cup, I have a few things we should all take away from this once-in-a-lifetime experience. Firstly, I think we all noticed that all the countries that participated had respect for each other’s customs and players. Even though it was a competition, it was amazing to see how all the players and fans treated each other with respect.
Secondly, there were so many people who came to Houston and were astounded by the amazing things we have here. We take so many things like that for granted (like our amazing stadiums and cool infrastructure), and I think we should all be grateful for what we have here in Houston.
Thirdly, we all watched thousands of people, of different races, nationalities and beliefs rally in support of their teams. This proved that we are not so different at all. I think the city of Houston, and America as a whole, should take these things to heart and consider them in the future.