While opportunities to create “bonds” between fans of different nations are rare for international football, it should be noted that the rivalries, controversies and grudges based on the historical records of each country competing at the international level create a bond for many fans to their counterparts in other countries by way of rivalry.
However, as a result of the match’s unlikely outcome a new type of bond will develop from this game being played between the teams of Canada, the United States and Mexico; a bond based on a shared respect for one another and positive feelings towards one another, even though neither country had ever met face to face prior to this event.
The final score of 1-0 would ultimately be of value to Mexico in terms of the number of points they collect throughout the tournament; but for many knowledgeable sources, Mexico’s advancement due to the unexpected friendship formed when South Korea shocked everybody with their upset victory of Germany was a more entertaining piece of information than the score.
The solidarity between Mexico and South Korea that arose from this soccer match will continue long after the Final Whistle as proof of the fact that soccer is about much more than goals, trophies and stats.
The bonds formed in the moments of friendship created unexpectedly amidst the chaos of the World Cup will be a source of many lasting memories for those who experienced them.
