Football and patriotism

Everyone keeps an eye on Brazil. The World Cup is followed by hundreds of millions of people, who watch it every night until midnight. We have an absolute show. With extraordinary shots. With unimaginable feints. Amazing speed. Saving actions. Turnarounds. Unexpected surprises. Joy and tears. I won’t be original if I say that I don’t have favorites in this championship. The fewer the teams, the better the intrigue.   

But I don’t intend to make an analysis of football matches. Not either to comment the magnificent game of the Brazilian Neymar Junior. Nor of the Argentinian savior Lionel Messi. Neither of the formidable James Rodriguez, nor of the nice Colombian team. Nor of the perfect Clockwork Orange. Nor Germans’ pedantry. Nor the cannibalistic habits of the Uruguayan Luis Suarez. Their talent and technique are obvious.   

I want to draw your attention to a great quality of footballers - their patriotism. I am overwhelmed  when I see them sing their national anthem with so much dignity. By their dedication in each and every battle. Regardless of the financial value - either Messi’s or Neymar’s, paid millions, or that of the Mexican Guillermo Ochoa, remaining unemployed. I was shocked once seeing that the Uruguayan defender was hit in head, accidentally, and lost consciousness. The doctor consulted him and said that the player cannot continue the game and should be replaced. The latter jumped to his feet and began protesting, asking to be left on the ground. The coach accepted and the brave Álvaro Pereira led their team to victory.  

Internal mobilization, perfect organization and the sense of patriotism of these players, who defend the honor and the colors of their country, compensate completely the lack of football stars. This what Chile, Mexic, USA and Algeria have showed. And vice versa. The lack of self-sacrifice and love for the land on which one was born, for the people one represents, make football talent and technique fade. The teams of Italy, Spain, Portugal and Russia (with the most expensive coach in the world) are represented by stars, but their players lack will.          

Same in politics. At the end of June, Moldova was offered a clear development perspective in European integration. It is the duty of all citizens to demonstrate their sense of patriotism. Political elite must do the same. It doesn’t matter anymore how national industry and science were destroyed, how wine, national mainline pipelines, banking and other sectors and strategic objectives of the country were sold to Russians for bargain prices. It doesn’t matter now who and how much has stolen. Who betrayed. Who fought. God will judge them.  

Now everyone, regardless of nationality, gender or creed, must be steady and patriotic. For our land and traditions. For the European future of our children. Otherwise we are doomed to perdition. 

Mihai Roscovan