Hi everyone, Shalom Aleichem!
Good afternoon GanSist everyone! 
While the atmosphere of world football was returning because of the 2026 World Cup, Miss Rora was reminded of a memory that still sticks in her mind to this day. Maybe for some people, the World Cup is just a 4-yearly football match. However, for me, this match is part of one of my most memorable childhood memories.
When the 2010 World Cup took place, I was 10 years old and still in elementary school. Now, I am 26 years old and still single. When I saw various reports about the 2026 World Cup, my memories seemed to go back to my childhood. If you remember that time, it feels very simple, but it is precisely because of its simplicity that these memories feel so precious.
In 2010, the World Cup atmosphere was completely different compared to now. Internet access is not as easy as it is today. Smartphones are also not owned by everyone. Most people follow the match via TV broadcasts. In fact, many neighbors gathered together to watch the game until late at night.
As a little girl, of course I didn’t really understand the game of football. I also don’t know the terms formation, ball control, or attack and defense tactics. All I know is that every match always presents a lively atmosphere. Many people cheer when their favorite team scores a goal.
At school, the World Cup atmosphere also felt quite lively. Almost every day, male friends discuss last night’s match. They exchange opinions about each other’s favorite players. Miss Rora actually didn’t really understand who the best player was at that time. However, because almost all my friends were talking about football, my curiosity arose. Finally, I started listening to their stories.
Maybe Miss Rora’s experience was a bit different compared to most girls her age at that time. Most girl friends prefer to jump rope, role play, or chat with their friends during recess. On the contrary, I often play soccer with the boys in class.
For me, playing soccer is not about showing that girls can play soccer too. At that time, I hadn’t thought about things like that at all. I just think the game is fun.
However, there is one incident that is still often remembered today. One morning, the teacher had not yet come to class. I don’t know how it started, one of the friends kicked a small ball at his friend. The small kick then turned into a game of kicking the ball.
Without realizing it, Miss Rora joined in the game. At first it was just slow, then it got more exciting over time. Everyone tries to get the ball to the goal. Occasionally there was laughter when someone failed to pass. Miss Rora herself enjoyed the game.
Unfortunately, the excitement didn’t last long. The teacher suddenly entered the classroom. Everyone immediately fell silent. The ball stopped rolling. The atmosphere that was previously full of laughter suddenly became quiet. The teacher saw the ball which was still on the classroom floor. He then asked who played football.
Finally, I and several other friends were blamed. The teacher explains that the classroom is a place to learn, not a place to play football. At that time I felt very embarrassed.
Since then, I have tried to better understand when is the right time to play and when to maintain order. This simple experience turned out to be a lesson in discipline that I still remember to this day.
Thinking back on it now, the experience seemed hilarious. Miss Rora was scolded by the teacher for playing football in class. However, that’s how childhood is. Sometimes someone has hobbies that don’t always match other people’s judgment. And in my opinion, this is something that is normal.
As I got older, I started to understand that football is not just a sport. Football also has the ability to unite many people from different backgrounds.
During the 2010 World Cup, millions of people in various countries had the same attention as the match that was taking place. This phenomenon shows that sport can be a very powerful medium for social interaction.
Even though at that time Miss Rora was scolded by the teacher for playing in class, the experience of playing soccer itself still provides many positive values as long as it is done in the right place and at the right time.
Now, while studying for a master’s degree, Miss Rora often realizes that childhood memories actually have an influence on the way a person views life.
Simple experiences such as playing soccer with friends can actually be a source of learning about cooperation, sportsmanship, discipline, and the ability to respect other people.
Maybe that’s why until now Miss Rora still likes the World Cup. When she saw footage of the 2010 World Cup match, Miss Rora’s memories immediately returned to the school yard, her classmates, and the moment when all the children played without thinking about any differences. All that existed at that time was the desire to have fun together.
The 2026 World Cup is a reminder that time passes so quickly. Sixteen years have passed since the 2010 World Cup. The children who used to run after the ball have now grown into adults with their own busy lives. Some are already working. Some are married. There are also those who are still continuing their education like Miss Rora.
However, childhood memories remain an irreplaceable part. For me, the 2010 World Cup is not just football. The event marked a time when playing with friends felt much more important than thinking about who won or lost.
Thank you to anyone who has taken the time to read this simple story. Hopefully the 2026 World Cup will also be able to bring beautiful memories to the current generation of children.
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