Call it whatever you want. Tag it whatever label you want.
Today thousands of Fijians join billions of soccer fans around the world to watch live the opening match of the 2014 FIFA World Cup.
The excitement is already mounting. Attention is firmly focused on Brazil.
Today finally ends months of speculation about whether the country is ready for the World Cup.
There were protests, overwhelming concern about preparations for the event, and security issues leading up to today.
All that will now take a back seat as the soccer world finally draws the curtain on its most prized possession.
Fans around the globe will focus on a sporting spectacle that is miles ahead of any other major event.
It is arguably the biggest sporting event on the planet.
Who can ever argue about the massive global reach this event has? Who can ever argue about its amazing statistics on television viewership or internet access around the world?
FIFA estimates at least 28.8 billion people watched the 64 matches of the Germany 2006 World Cup.
In comparison, less than five billion viewers tuned in to the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing.
Today as hosts Brazil takes on the might of Croatia in what is expected to be an exciting opening clash, there is high expectation of an amazing journey this month.
Fans will share the joys of the beautiful game. They will revel in the excitement associated with the various teams and their superstars.
They will savour the goals, embrace the many beautiful moments and lap up the opportunity to be part of history. There can be no doubts about the popularity of the sport of soccer.
Today is the beginning of a journey of fun, enjoyment and to some extent, faith. For many fans, it is the beginning of a feast of soccer.
For the players, today starts a journey that will give them an opportunity to mix it with the best of the crop on the planet, in the most highly anticipated event. It is the ultimate goal, the pinnacle of soccer careers.
For some people, it has to rank right up there with the best of things in life.
You just have to look at the FIFA list to appreciate the quality and calibre of players on show.
Today, race, religion, colour and every other imaginary divides will take a back seat as the excitement of the World Cup takes over.
We plan to give you our reader a comprehensive coverage of all the action and excitement on and off the field. Whatever team you cheer for, we hope the FIFA World Cup will bring you joy.
