For the next five weeks the sound of samba and bossa nova will be ringing in our ears as the World Cup kicked off in Brazil last night. With the favourites beating Croatia in the opening match 3-1, the protests surrounding the ‘greatest show on Earth’ by the anti-world cup lobby in Brazil and the furore about Qatar 2022 were momentarily forgotten. Does sport wield such power and influence in bringing communities together? It is certainly powerful and the tournament heralded the start of a glorious summer of sport – with the US Open Golf championships, Test cricket against Sri Lanka and India, England vs New Zealand in rugby, the climax of the F1 racing season, the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow and Wimbledon just around the corner, it’s going to be a busy time for us arm chair sportsman and the remote control. Even though Brazil may go on to make history and win the coveted FIFA trophy for an unprecedented sixth time, we at Sexey’s may well have made history with our very own Tommy Stewart (Y8) who will probably be immortalised in Wisden, for smashing all bowling records – see the sports update below. Sport certainly is powerful and as I hear the final preparations being made for the Race for Life event which starts in a few minutes, we are fortunate that we have the opportunity to play, enjoy and witness sport at all levels.
As I settled down to watch the opening game of the World Cup, and over the next month or so follow with intent the progress of England (managed by the former English teacher Roy Hodgson), I and the whole of Brazil, I think was stunned by that Brazilian own- goal in the 11th minute. There was a stony silence that was heard the world over. I recognised that silence. The sense of impending doom. All England fans recognise it. After 48 years of hope, is this going to be England’s year?
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