3 lessons from FIFA World Cup 2014 Brazil

The World Cup is the greatest tournament in soccer as soccer players battle for their country’s pride and glory. Every four years, 32 nations compete for the championship, with billions of people watching across the globe.

Much like everything else, there are lessons that can be applied to our daily lives. If you have been watching the World Cup, you might have already gone through these lessons, whether you know it or not.

1. Talent does not guarantee success – Four years ago, Spain won their first World Cup title in South Africa. They then went on to win the UEFA Euro 2012 two years later. Many were expecting them to do it again this World Cup, given the talents they have in their squad. Embarrassingly, they didn’t. In fact, Spain was the first nation to exit the FIFA World Cup 2014, after suffering two consecutive losses in the group stages – a 5-1 defeat to Netherlands and then a 2-0 defeat against Chile.

Similarly, England and Italy made their exit, despite the fact that many of these players are also playing in top clubs around the world. Talent for sure, isn’t lacking in these nations. Their exit has made way for nations with less talented players.

These early exits serve as an important reminder for us. Talent alone does not guarantee success. Talent does not always win. It takes also hard work and determination to succeed. The next time anyone tells you that you are talented in a certain field, do not take it for granted that you will succeed. Make sure you put in the effort to ensure that you do.

2. Never underestimate the underdogs – Many of the teams that made it to the FIFA World Cup knock out stages were not the world’s best 16 teams. Countries such as Greece, Costa Rica and USA came out of very difficult groups to emerge ahead of powerhouses like England, Italy, Spain and Portugal.

You often see this scenario in life. Those who grow up with the best of everything often do not become the one that is most successful. Many of the people who succeeded in life come from humble beginnings. Nobody expected these underdogs to make it to the Round Of 16 and yet they did, giving their best and believing in themselves. Similarly, in life, whenever anyone says that you can’t, use it as a motivation to show them why you can. Even when your environment in not in your favour, remember that you can achieve anything as long as you put your heart to it.

3. Making and planning is essential in life – In the World Cup, as in many other soccer games or other sports, strategizing is essential. Costa Rica managed to take the Dutch team to penalty kicks in the FIFA World Cup Quarter Finals because they had a good strategy. Costa Rica, being the weaker team was going to use the Offside Trap Strategy to trap the eager flying Dutchman so that they can make it to the Semi Finals. More than a dozen times, Costa Rica defense halted Netherlands progress with their strategy. Costa Rica had a goal – to make it to the Semi Finals – and they had a strategy.

In life, it is important to have goals. But it is even more important for you to plan your journey to achieve your goals. Goals are nothing with a plan. Those who make goals and plan their journey are often the ones who achieve their goals.

The FIFA World Cup 2014 has brought many tears, sadness, joys and happiness as fans gather to watch the world’s largest sport compete on its largest scale. If you were to see beyond the noise, you will soon find that there are many valuable lessons that you can learn and apply every single day of your life.

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