One Summer’s Transformation :: World Cup Korea Sports Soccer Essays

One Summers Transformation Never in my life before have I been so proud to separate that I am Korean. I call myself Korean-the Statesn, but before I used to consider myself to be more American than Korean. I brave out in this country, speak English, and am fully immersed in American culture. America is my home, and I am proud of that. However, the same could not be tell of my Korean heritage. I was never ashamed, but neither did I find out any particular pride in it. That was the case until this summers world Cup 2002, co-hosted by Japan and Korea. Though not an highly passionate soccer fan before, I started to watch the world loving cup with increasing interest. The first day when the USA sidestep unstoppable Portugal, whose team up consisted of Luis Figo, one of the worlds best soccer players, Rui Costa, Sergio Coneicao, and a pool of the best European talent, I was happy. However, indeed something remarkable happened to me. The next day, I woke up at seven o measure i n the morning to watch the South Korea vs. Poland check off. I had never fulfilln an Asian team play with so much family against a tough European team. I was really excited to see Korea win the match 2-0. During those final extra minutes of the match when I knew Korea was going to win, a seed of pride was planted in me. From then on, I was nothing but an avid Dae Han Min Guk (South Korea) fan. The ESPN sportscasters said that they had never heard so much cheering in their lives before, and I tangle the same exactly the same as the fans in the stands. It was the first Korean win in five world cup appearance. The next match was played between Korea and the USA. I woke at two oclock in the morning to watch with some of my friends. This time I wished for a tie because I loved both the USA and Korea. To my surprise, the game rattling did end in a tie. Both my favorite teams were most plausibly on their way to the second round. During the final game of group play, Korea beat Portuga l in dramatic fashion. The winning goal by Park Ji Sung, an upcoming star, was polled by the FIFA website, the official website of the tournament, to be one of best of the World Cup.