How I found the joy of soccer in Sacramento during the World Cup | Opinion
The FIFA World Cup will come to a close on Sunday with the final between Argentina and Spain. The spectacle might be over, but its lasting impact on me and countless others across the world will still be felt.
Looking back, it’s hard to believe how quickly the World Cup pulled me in.
For most games of the tournament, I watched from the Bonn Lair, the European pub in East Sacramento, drinking shandies and singing “Wonderwall” by the British rock band Oasis. It was the unofficial anthem of England’s World Cup team.
After England midfielder Jude Bellingham’s stellar performance against Mexico on July 5, the crowd at Bonn Lair, packed in like a tin of sardines, joined with England fans in Mexico City, who serenaded Bellingham with the Beatles classic, “Hey Jude.”
My vocals were pitchy, but with each word I sang, arms linked with other fans of this beloved team, I became part of something bigger. That is the power of futbol that I’ve discovered during this World Cup.
I never thought soccer would be a part of my life in such a meaningful way.
But my journey with soccer wasn’t always this immersive.
When I worked at Jersey Mike’s back in my hometown of Tullahoma, Tennessee, there was a Buffalo Wild Wings next door. That year, they tried to boost interest in the Major League Soccer by decorating the dining area with soccer gear and displays.
But a month later, I found one of their soccer cutouts tossed in the dumpster when I was taking out the trash.
Clearly, the effort hadn’t paid off.
Moments like that can make soccer fandom seem disposable in America. But here in Sacramento, a wonderfully diverse city with tons of spirit geared towards the game, I’ve gained a new appreciation and love for it.
Inspired by the energy for the game in Sacramento, I even decided to play the sport for the first time.
Trying the beautiful game out for myself
The brick wall on the north side of “The Cage” in Kayak Alley between K and L on 18th Street in Midtown blocked the sun’s insufferable heat, providing much-needed shade for me as I ran up and down the concrete court.
When my teammate kicked the orange and gray soccer ball, and it rolled my way, my heart pounded in my chest — holy Harry Kane, don’t mess this up. I froze for a split second, then remembered to stop the ball with the sole of my foot, just like I’d seen on TV. My first touch was clumsy, the ball wobbling to a halt. I swung my leg and kicked it, aiming for a teammate, only to watch it sail straight to the defender. Embarrassment burned in my cheeks, but I couldn’t help but laugh. Suddenly, I was a kid again — earnest, awkward, and eager to soak up every bit of advice my teammates shouted, no matter how scrambled or enthusiastic.
As the kids would say, I was complete garbage. But Rome wasn’t built in one day — I will be back on the court, still kicking but hopefully not screaming.
Throughout the 39 days of the Cup, I’ve not only made new friends but also discovered a passion for a sport I’d barely noticed before. The World Cup’s reach is global, but, thanks to the passionate soccer fans in Sacramento, I now have a personal connection to the sport. I can’t wait to see where this newfound love for soccer might lead next.