The Cup of LIFE

Oh, there's so much we need to talk about.  Granted, I've been MIA due to the World Cup. It is not just about the sport, its about life and life lessons learned on the field.  That is what totally sucks me in this tournament.  To see countries that have historical, political beef face off in a field and be civil to each other, gives me hope.
Also, like in life, logic does not apply, teams move forward based on preparation, chance, luck and sheer heart.
This world cup many of the favorites were out, Italy (reigning World Champion), France, Argentina, Brasil, England. Many teams that were the underdogs made it far.
I find a common denominator in life and the world cup = HEART, BEING IN THE MOMENT & VISUALIZING DREAMS AS REALITY.
Oscar Tabarez, the coach for the Uruguay team was asked what he thought about being in the finals. He said he could not think that far, he and his team were HERE & NOW (present) and they were consumed into winning in the here and now.  He said, once we are over this, then we will think of the next game.  I wish we could all face life that way. It's not about being in the future, its about being in the here and now.
In Uruguay's game yesterday, seconds from the game ending, Luis Suarez stopped a goal against his team with his hand, knowingly getting a red card and a penalty for Ghana. His other option was to let the goal happen and Ghana would win. The penalty didn't score and Uruguay got a chance at penalty kicks and hence won and got a ticket to the semifinals.  Sometimes in life we need to sacrifice for the bigger goal.  And it has to be decided in seconds.
Uruguay was the host of the first world cup ever.  And they won. In 1950 they were finalists in Brasil, which was the host country.  Against all odds they won.
None of that impresses me as much as the fact that Uruguay has always done what it does with respect, low profile and no ego.  It has done it getting strength from where no one ever thought there was any strength left. It has quietly gone forward.
I want to be like the Uruguay team. They were the one before last team to qualify to the world cup. They quietly made it to one fo the 4 BEST teams in the world. They were classy and respectful all along.
If they make it to the finals, I will ask for pointers on how to be GREAT and HUMBLE.
P.