Some people showcase their passion for the game by wearing jerseys or baseball caps, never missing a game on TV, putting stickers on their car, or placing a bet on their favorite team. Entire cities can be totally shut down for celebration after a championship is brought home. A total stranger can become a best friend for 90 minutes and share the ups and downs of the journey toward victory when the final whistle or buzzer sounds. Similarly, fans in a stadium or arena rooting for the home team to win may not otherwise have interacted or encountered the person sitting in the seats next to, behind, or in front of them. Two teams on a soccer pitch may not be able to speak to each other but can share a common goal, abide by rules, and recognize and respect sportsmanship.
Some of the most beautiful things about sports is that they can transcend language, build strong communities, and bring people together from all over the world.