Pelada from Rebekah Fergusson on Vimeo.

[I suggest full screen]

Although as an American, I can't truly understand the connection futbol has with the people and culture of Argentina just yet, I think it goes without saying that's its HUGE (Fuccillo voice)! After living in London for awhile and now here in Buenos Aires, I'm starting to grasp the incredible reach and influence this sport has on the world. Sadly, except in large part, for the USA. 

The reason I mention this now is because last night I had the privilege of watching the Mexico vs. El Salvador and Argentina vs. Peru matches with my roommates girlfriend's family. They had one game setup on the computer and the other on the television. As I watched the games from their high-rise apartment I looked out the window at the dark, rainy sky and saw that the only thing lit up throughout the city were soccer fields! Despite thunder storms these fields were packed with teams until well past midnight...

The family cheered for their home country of Mexico, while Sergio unsuccessfully rooted for Columbia from the box scores and I cluelessly rooted for Argentina. Although I didn't understand a lot of the small talk, as soon as there was a goal I loved passing out high fives joining in yelling GOOOOOOOLLLL!!! Like i've been doing it for years.

Also, I mention this now because my sister's birthday is today and she is an awesome soccer player (and coach)... happy birthday Casie! 

Anyway, I came across this amazing documentary awhile back and I thought it captured the passion of soccer beautifully. Much better than anything I could write about the sport, its magnitude, or the ability it has in bringing people together. 

Pelada is the story of Luke and Gwendolyn, two former college soccer stars who couldn't quite make it to the pros. Now in their mid-twenties and working 9-to-5 jobs, the two soccer has-beens decide they aren't ready to quit the game. They take off around the globe exploring the other, less glorified side of soccer: pick-up games, impromptu contest that happen anywhere and between anyone. From prisoners in Bolivia to moonshine brewers in Kenya, from the futevolei tricksters of Brazil to Chinese monks who play in their traditional robes, Pelada follows Luck and Gwendolyn's adventures around the world and the people they meet through the game. - thesoccerproject.com 

I am inspired. I want to go play right now. 

SIDE NOTE: The next world cup is in South Africa in July 2010 and I think everyone should attempt to follow some of it. I will be rooting for the USA and Argentina!