Postcard from the World Cup

Posted June 21, 2014 1:01 am

Special to the Daily Herald

Editor's note: A suburban soccer coach is attending the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil. His first game was Chile's upset of defending champion Spain. Today he shares a report on his travels in the country.

Taking a short side trip to one of the new seven wonders of the world: the Iguazu Falls on the border of Argentina and Brazil. If I thought I was getting away from the excitement of the World Cup, I was completely wrong.

While waiting for our tickets to get into the Brazilian side of the falls, we hear a roar and see two men racing out of a covered area screaming with joy. Uruguay had just scored.

Every corner has a TV and all are watching their favorite teams.

I have seen Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe, the Great Barrier Reef in Australia, and the Grand Canyon but these falls are one of the most spectacular sights I have ever seen. Both sides (the Brazilian and Argentinian) have miles of incredible falls. The volume of water and the immense size with all the prepetual mist creates spectacular views.

Back to Rio tomorrow to get ready to watch Russia and Belguim live, and then join the fanfest to watch the USA-Portugal game. That should be an experience.

• Mike Taylor is the boys and girls soccer coach at St. Viator High School in Arlington Heights.

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