The United States

THE UNITED STATES and Mexico rarely engage in athletic competition. But in the 2002 World Cup quarterfinals, the neighboring nations put on a spirited display on the soccer field.

The United States team, playing on two days’ rest, surprised Mexico by coming out with an aggressive, high-energy style of play. The United States erupted for a goal in the game’s eighth minute. U.S. captain Claudio Reyna made a long run up the right side after faking a defender. He passed to Josh Wolff standing near the goal. Wolff flicked the ball back to a wide-open Brian McBride, who drove it hard into the left side of the net.

But in typical fashion, the Mexicans controlled the ball for a majority of the game—keeping the attack in the U.S. end of the field nearly 70 percent of the time. But American goalie Brad Friedel refused to yield, blocking every shot, including two point-blank efforts in the 35th minute.

In the 65th minute, the United States broke Mexico’s spirits with its second goal. Eddie Lewis sped upfield and fired a cross to Landon Donovan just inside the 6-yard box. Donovan headed the ball into the net for a 2–0 lead.

In the waning moments, tempers flared. Mexico’s captain, Rafael Marquez, received an ejection for banging his head into Cobi Jones. Officials issued ten yellow cards, five for each team, for especially hard fouls in the 2–0 American victory.

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POINT The neighboring countries didn’t end the game in very neighborly fashion. The Mexicans have long been a dominant soccer nation. For Americans, soccer’s popularity lagged behind baseball, football, and basketball. Being beaten by anyone hurt Mexico, but losing to an upstart soccer nation brought threats of revenge and the beginnings of a grudge.

Sometimes neighbors have differences. Little irritations grow into big disagreements. Harsh words escalate into bad feelings. Grudges and revenge replace kindness and helpfulness. God’s Word tells us to love our neighbors as ourselves. That may not be our way, but it’s God’s way . . . and it’s the right way.

GOAL! Think about your neighbors. If you have problems, will you work to make things right? Ask God to help you love your neighbors as yourself.