The motivation to play

The French flag- photo by me.

Soccer. Everyone knows it's not about two teams chasing a ball around from one side to another while releasing healthy endorphins. When we're talking about the World Cup, it's about countries competing against each other. Who is the best? Who invests more in education and sports programs? Who gives their citizens the better chance to develop their abilities?

So why do we see certain developing countries excel at soccer?

This question came to me yesterday as I was watching a decisive soccer game : France vs. Ukraine. It was the last chance of either country to be qualified to play in the World Cup '14. The French were downhearted, because their country had been brutally beaten by Ukraine in their last game (2x0). The 80 thousand spectators at the Stade de France were dressed head to toe in red white and blue, but their eyes were all transmitting the same doubt : are we going to make it? And for goodness' sake, why did we have to lose to Ukraine?

This is coming from a country whose team went to the finals a mere 8 years ago against Italy. The French team is notably one of the best of the world. It was a surprise to all that this year, the French just might not qualify due to the prowess of other countries.

But when you look at the background stories, you begin to understand why. France is already a developed country with a valorized sports program, an excellent education system, and accesible health care. The majority of its citizens are well cared-for. There are excellent atheletes that want to play soccer for a profession and to show off their patriotism- but that's it. 

While in countries like Ukraine, people are still struggling to ascend socially and financially. Corruption is still a big part of their daily lives. Those who choose to play soccer as a profession have more drive and more at stake - if they succeed, they may enter the world of the rich. If they don't, they might be condemned to spend life in misery.

Take a look at Brazil. Back in the 50's and 60's, Brazil had the best team in the world, proven by their numerous Cups - 3 won in 12 years! At that time, Brazil was still a growing country. Most of its players came from its poorest neighborhoods. Boys would learn to play soccer with a makeshift ball, but they had big dreams. For some of these boys, their dreams came true.

Today, reality has changed in Brazil. Life has improved for the majority of its citizens, though the clash between the rich and the poor is still pronounced. But today, there aren't little boys dotting the dirt streets with a rubber ball tucked under their arms. They've been replaced by the oppressed lives of favelas, or shanty towns, where smuggling drugs is the new trend. Making big money is still a dream for most, but there are other ways to attain it. Many, illegal.

The motivation that once existed in Brazil to play soccer is lost. Many a Brazilian has shook its head, asking themselves what went wrong. But maybe nothing went wrong, and the motivation went elsewhere. Just like in France, where the level of patriotism is represented by how well the team plays soccer.

It turns out that in the end, patriotism wins. France beat Ukraine 3x0 much to the joy of the crowd. It wouldn't surprise me if François Hollande's popularity suddenly soared today. Sometimes the motivation comes from odd places, but it's better to have it than none at all.