Downside Of Humanity
No one likes to be around a person talking smack, but I have to admit that no one had a bigger mouth than I did four years ago.
As the World Cup qualifiers were underway, I had a circle of friends that would discuss each countries chances. At one point the conversation would always end up with "what country do you think will take it?" and with complete conviction I would say, "United States." After hearing this, a friend from England would laugh, then follow with "but who do you really think will win." And with just as much conviction I would give the same answer.
Which isn't bad, everyone should have faith in the teams representing their country. My friend thought about that and said, "you know, that's what England needs, confidence." Which I followed with "it wouldn't help you guys, you're losers," then went on to say how they were only good at making excuses, and even though England invented the game, Brazil showed the world how to play it. I even bagged on every Columbian I knew for not qualifying. Whenever people would talk about which countries won the cup, and how many times, I would always include the United States. "The U.S. hasn't won the World Cup" would be said, and I would follow with "we're going to win this one."
My vacation started at the beginning of the tournament, and I watched in horror when the Czech Republic stomped all over my team and tossed what was left to the sidelines. It was like the universe was punishing me for how I acted the past year. Even though they played fairly well against Italy, and even moved into the next round, it was like the U.S. Team didn't even show up on the field. Once Italy won the cup (quite well I might add) I delt with my bitter disappointment, and prepared myself for the payback that was going to come my way.
But no one did. Everyone talked about the matches, and how each country played. Like me, everyone expected more from the United States, but they didn't try to wind me up over it. There is a lot of very classy people in the world.
But I'm not one of them. This past year has seen me just as bad as four years ago. I'm beginning to understand why so many people dislike Americans.