Posted 20:23BST, Saturday, June 10, 2006
Thank you June 10, 2006 — the second day of World Cup competition — for having offered up matches capable of restoring a fan's faith in the purity of sport. Today the world witnessed a wonderful game that saw tough and determined defense as well as bursts of colourful offense and scoring. Players gave their all under a blazing sun for the love of the jersey on their backs and thrill of simply participating at the highest of levels. Not a single starter showed egotistical anger when replaced, and instead urged his replacement to do
an even better job. Not a single yellow cards punished unsportsmanlike play; no one hysterically faked injuries in the hopes of getting a rival sent off — a modesty apparently inspired by the knowledge of just how terrible but inevitable real injuries are in the sport. Despite their full engagement, not a single player contested a refereeing decision, nor showed up with man with the whistle — who, to his credit, also seemed to show humility by keeping himself out of the game unless necessary, and even willing to take counsel from his linesmen when he muffed a call.
When it was over, the losing side hung out and waited for the winners to leave the pitch first. Their disappointed fans demonstrated insane good will in applauding the supporters of the victorious team. It was one of those games where you came away realizing that it really isn't about who come out on top (though that certainly helps one's mood as the hours press on), but rather participating in the contest in a commendable way. A World Cup moment, indeed. Let's hope we see one for once in Germany.
The above scene took place in Paris, where the Olympique Biarrtiz beat the Stade Toulousain in the final of France's Top 14 professional rugby league. Whether it's due to the nature of the sport, it's micro-culture, or the relative lack of money that has prevented players from behaving like larcenous stars rather than sweat-dripping jocks, rugby continues both offering and enforcing the kind of sporting ethics and good will other sports — and indeed the world — could us more of these days. (It's also gotten over its phobia of acknowledging refs are only human, will screw up, and need video back up.)
Doubtless, no one playing in Germany this month, nor FIFA overseeing the fete, will take any notice at the manner the Top 14 championship game was contested today. Over the next year, however, there will be enough examples of faked injury, petulant behavior, swearing at officials, and crappy attitude by men being paid millions to play a game most of us love for its sheer fun. Next year around now, rugby will be holding its own World Cup in France. The footballing world might want to watch, and take a few notes.
