1 - 1; Penalty 3 - 4; Cup Remains 1/2 Full
July 3, 2018, Medellin Columbia
It was one of those days. Started out late, our AirBnB's washing machine was broken, dragged a comb across my head…well, you get the point. Today was our first real dive into the culture and city of Medellin, Columbia. What a day to do that. Just so happens it was Columbia facing off against England today in the World Cup.
We were on a city walking tour but the energy of the city, the unity behind the Columbian team, and the desire to win enveloped every step. When the game, started fireworks exploded in the air, when England scored the city calmed. And in the final minutes each opportunity was like turning the volume up and down on a stereo as people became hopeful and hope was dashed.
Then came the GOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOAAAAAAAAAAALLLLLLLLLLLLL. The city erupted with fireworks, horns, people randomly running between buildings, screaming, hugging, kissing, completely elated that Columbia had scored against England. The elation extended an extra half hour and then in the final penalty kicks of the game, England, on the final kick, bested the Columbian team.
I’ve been in Chicago when the final Cubs playoff gamed ended in a victory for the Mets. I went home grumbling. As did many other fans. But here…Medellin, Columbia, a city that has been through so much history of violence, ups, downs, and moving sideways. Here, scoring that goal is what everyone remembers and was talking about tonight.
It was a great day. Full of food, friendship, and football (soccer). I’m not so sure much work was completed today. But some days, its just good to be happy you made a goal.