I felt the sun shone right through me as I opened my eyes, “ Oh My! I am so late for work!” It was approximately 8.30 am and I am still in bed. I suddenly remembered the week review of Endie’s Friendsters bulletin board, how sleepy one would be on the 10 January 2006. Nevertheless, I quickly rushed myself to get ready, thinking I am late because of the infamous Cup of Life – World Cup Germany 2006.

The World Cup Germany 2006 a.k.a Cup of Life marks an important event to the humankind, where the world brimming with emotions comes together. I could see all kind of expressions on the faces of many. Some were anxious and eager to find a good table so they could watch the Game in comfort; some were frantically looking high and low to find any place so long, they can blend in the crowd. But what I saw in these strong supporters of France and Italy last night was the desperate hopes that their teams would win.

The desperate hope of winning was clearly seen on everyone’s face. I noticed that from their tone of voice, the body language even from their laughter, anger or the intense silence were more pronounce as the maturity of time got closer. Essentially, I wondered at that moment, how do men in shorts managed to glue 1.5 billion pair of eyes worldwide, straight through the tally screens, even at 2 to 5 am on a Monday morning?

I like to believe it’s all about the excitement of life. In my opinion, the intense moment that we feel during this game is we picture ourselves being in the battlefield. All the challenges in life we may face revolved around this invisible four walls. In other words, it is a test of endurance on how well we encounter the challenges in life, the resistance to hardship and the determination to touch the Cup. The strategic plans and tactics adopted by “our team” forms our psychology confidence of aggressive and/or defensive efforts to succeed in life. Also, with a bid of luck, you might go further than you think!

Standing in the middle of space between the Curve and Cineleisure, amongst the hundreds of people watching the Game, I just realised I am beginning to love the challenges of the unknown of the Game. This is the ending World Cup Germany 2006 and the beginning of my new exploration in football.