It’s important to remember that without the other ten men on the field busting their asses, the team ‘star’ would implode quickly.
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Soccer is a team sport for a reason. A team does not win because of one person. You wouldn’t know that by how this World Cup is portrayed, though.
Take Lionel Messi–noted as the best player in the world. There’s no denying he’s a fantastic player. But every Argentina game I’ve watched, the conversation has been purely around Messi, not his teammates.
Or what about Josie Altador’s hamstring injury during the first game of the United States’ group stage? In the subsequent games U.S. games, announcers and analysts alike discussed what a devastating loss it was for the team and how performance would suffer.
Then you have Christiano Rinaldo of Portugal. Again, fantastic player, but because he wasn’t at full strength during the tournament, many pin the blame squarely on him for why Portugal never advanced out of the group stage.
Then, when this person leaves, outsiders believe the organization or business will never be the same–will never achieve the heights it once could. But guess who does believe? Those within the organization whose lives continue and who have been doing the work all along.
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Now the headlines are filled with the spinal injury to Neymar of Brazil after a knee to the back by a Columbian player. Sure, there are comments out there wishing Neymar well health-wise (as there should be), but there is far more talk about how his inability to play will affect Brazil’s chances against Germany. Some even speak about how his injury somehow puts a damper on the entire tournament.
I have respect for each of these men as athletes. They have exceptional talents, and they are highlighted on their respective teams for a reason. But I also have respect for the other ten men on the field, busting their asses each game, without whom these star players would implode.
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We see this same mentality falsely exhibited in our daily lives and the organizations in which we work. The CEO is exalted while the workers are forgotten. The organization president is lauded for the group’s achievements but without true justice to the individuals it took to make those achievements a reality. Then, when this person leaves, outsiders believe the organization or business will never be the same–will never achieve the heights it once could. But guess who does believe? Those within the organization whose lives continue and who have been doing the work all along.
On Sunday, July 13, the World Cup trophy will be handed over to the victors. The trophy may be shaped like two hands holding up the world, but it is nothing without its foundation. Teams win World Cups, not individuals. And you’ll find that the true victories are the same in life.
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Image credit: Erik Daniel Drost/flickr
Yeah, because they played as a team. Anyway, Neymar’s condition is quite loss for Brazil but I’m sure they’ll work it out among the team members. But, I’m rooting for Argentina! I hope they’ll be the champion.
i was astonished how neymar was dumped onto the stretcher by the bearers, as i saw instantly from the replay that the knee going into the spine, it was a potential spinal injury. as neymar rolled onto the stretcher, his legs suddenly stopped moving, i wondered if he had become paralysed in moving onto the stretcher. however to my relief, after a second he folded his right knee. fifa needs to do a serious and urgent review into how they treat potential spinal injuries, as what i saw was shocking. i imagine in the usa there has been more comment… Read more »