The World Cup is over.
After 36 years, Argentina won the World Cup again.
Congratulations to Messi.
Congratulations to Di Maria.
Congratulations to Argentina.
This final was definitely one of the most up and down World Cup finals I've ever seen.
Argentina is going to sing Argentina don't cry for me, today you can sing Argentina don't laugh too hard for me.
As far away as Buenos Aires, throngs of fans flooded the streets to celebrate the historic scene.
Someone at the scene rode a bicycle and videotaped the entire process, from the fans holding their breath in silence waiting for the outcome of the penalty shootout to the wild celebrations.
Even through the screen, we can fully feel the happy atmosphere of people at this time.
If you've ever seen Buenos Aires under aerial footage, you can really appreciate what it's called. "10,000 people in the streets".
There have been many fans moved to tears in our own country recently.
When I think of this past month, I always think of the night Japan beat Germany in the group stage.
The Japanese fans on Bar Street embraced each other in a touching scene.
I tweeted about it and the highest liked comment asked:
"When is the men's soccer team going to move us like this."
Yeah.
This is the same question that has been ringing in our ears for a long time.
When will men's soccer move us?
We actually know the answer.
In reality, at least in recent years, it should be more difficult.
Recently, director Xu Zheng made a five-minute short film on the theme of soccer. The name is simple and easy to understand, called Shooting. I think the question is answered from the other side.
The short film begins with a soccer ball that falls from the sky, no one knows where it came from, and so suddenly appears in the square in front of the neighborhood.
Accidentally passed by a security brother, looking at the two scaffolding surrounded by the "goal", instant ball addiction.
It's just a shame about the ball skills, they're a bit abstract.
On the contrary, security guards who make a fool of themselves attract more people to show off their skills.
The little brother who doesn't deliver water also stopped and flew - hitting the "goalpost" there.
Auntie Ringmaster is no slouch either. At first glance, she had practiced. The soccer ball made a perfect arc in the air and finally chose to make a close contact with the trash can.
The courier guy was so busy making deliveries that he had to dial a kicker while riding his bike, which is kind of a stunt.
Even the construction worker who turns 360 degrees, falls on his own feet and even his shoes fly away, explains in action what is important.
Look at Auntie Snack Stall, how she smiles despite her poor ball skills.
In the short five-minute clip, Xu Zheng finds 29 actors representing 18 professions, all of whom show off their skills on the bustling streets.
I've always thought that Xu Zheng is a very good director for "marketplace drama".
So many characters appear throughout the movie but have no lines. The footage each person gives to each person averages only a few seconds. But it's such a group drama that portrays every ordinary, happy little person.
People from all walks of life come together because of a little soccer ball. There is no need to specifically describe the story behind each person, as the characters in each short film are actually countless ordinary us.
Everyone seemed energized and everyone was happy to play soccer.
Even though the men's soccer team didn't make it to the World Cup, soccer can still bring us happiness.
Soccer is a sport that makes us happy.
So really it doesn't matter how you play, where you play, who wins or loses at this time of year, it's the participation that counts.
We on the field, we can be happy and encouraging for our players, and off the field, we can give ourselves ordinary joys and touches.
As in this year's World Cup final, explaining this quote from He Wei: "Why do we deeply love the sport of soccer? Because he not only showcases the inspirational struggles of the players, but also puts the dreams of heroes in the ordinary lives of our common people."
Just looking at the surface, Xu Zheng is filming soccer, but thinking more deeply, what does this say about more than just soccer?
Some people say that life is a race, so winning and losing is important, but I don't think that's accurate.
The truth is that everyone can go about defining their own life, there's no such thing as dividing a winner from a runner-up, and the answers can be many and varied.
Even ordinary people can be great. Success or failure is an integral part of life. Ordinary people are great too. The key is whether every ordinary person makes every ordinary and extraordinary choice and struggle.
As demonstrated in the short film of the shoot, everyone participates in this program "event" in their own way.
If the soccer ball appears in the short film to represent our beautiful dreams, then the action of shooting a basketball is our efforts to pursue our dreams.
When I was a kid, I wasn't very interested in soccer compared to my fan father. I always felt that a game could go 90 or even 120 minutes without escaping 0-0, as if it was all in vain.
But as I grew up, I really realized the appeal of soccer and just waking up to the fact that there is no reward is futile. They see a goal and give it their all, and that process is exciting enough in itself.
That's how soccer is, and that's how life is.
Look, aren't these ordinary people playing on the field just like us?
And the stadium, made up of ordinary streets, is more like the stage on which we live.
Everyone who lives in this world has a goal at one time or another.
For enough to have a better life for your family.
Experience more and more for yourself.
To be a useful person to the world.
For the happiness your heart desires.
On such a stage, we sweat.
Be proud of your efforts and be happy with your struggles.
Who says we weren't so moved.
We give ourselves ordinary happiness and touch.
Every ordinary passer-by who participates in the shooting, even if he or she misses the "goal" again and again, still laughs at life, which is the greatness of ordinary people.
Don't worry too much about winning or losing on the field, don't worry too much about success or failure in life. "The ball is at your feet, and it's up to you to decide how to kick it.
You don't have to be bored because you envy the heroes on the field. There are heroes everywhere in life. Even if you fall to the ground on crutches, you are your own hero.
Of course, what director Xu Zheng wants to show is that on the road to pursuing their dreams, everyone hits the wall again and again and still smiles at life. It would be pessimistic to say that this short film ends with people trying again and again.
That's why I think the ending of the story is the smartest thing about director Xu Zheng.
The movie ends with a kid in a No. 58 jersey kicking the ball into a goal made of scaffolding, and the scene resounds with cheers.
When you see this, you may realize that this is a short film shot by Xu Zheng for 58 cities, but the child that appears at the end is definitely not a rigid "implant" but rather, it is a good wish from everyone.
But I always remember another thing that Wei He said:
"Whether your favorite team wins or loses, what it shows on the field helps you face real life behind an open window. It's not a game you watch for nothing. Translating sportsmanship into real life and work is the biggest benefit that sports gives us."
Yes, wins, losses and successes are common, both on the field and in life. Don't fall down and turn your spirit into your motivation for a new day.
As long as you have a dream in your heart, gotta applaud yourself.
Isn't that how Welcome to Beijing is sung? "Anyone with a dream is great."
Just as 58 Tongcheng also respects every aspirant and hopes to help them realize their value through struggle.
Or is it helping a worker who feels untalented to appreciate his or her own Burroughs.
Every step forward leaves footprints.
Every effort is not in vain.
Every aspirant will eventually find his or her place.
