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Take This Cup

A Bible verse provided strength in the draining World Cup final.

by Michelle Akers with Judith Nelson

Before the final World Cup game against China on July 10, 1999, I was ready. I knew that to play my best would take everything I had and more.

I found comfort and courage in Luke 23:32-39, which chronicles the crucifixion and Christ's temptation to evade his call. Like Jesus, I am sometimes tempted to take the easy way out. His courage to face the cross gave me courage to be faithful to the challenge and privilege God placed before me.

I make it a habit to dedicate each game to a friend or family member by writing his or her name on the ankle tape around my socks. For the World Cup final, I simply wrote Joshua 1:9 on the tape. It reminded me to be strong and courageous because God is with me. If I wimp out or give less than my best, then I am disobeying God. My courage and strength come from him.

If I am living out God's will and my body is totally thrashed, then even though I might not be getting up on the outside, I am still standing up in triumph on the inside. This verse is what carried me through much of the World Cup and continues to carry me now.

The final game was intense and physical. My job was to prevent their top scorer from shooting, to own the midfield, to organize the team in front of me, to possess and distribute the ball, and of course, to try to score.

With about 15 minutes left in the regulation 90 minutes, I started getting a little loopy. The 110-degree heat on the field, combined with the demands of the tournament, finally took its toll on me. In the 90th minute I went up for a head ball near our goal when our goalkeeper, Brianna Scurry, who was trying to clear the ball, punched me in the head. I went down in a heap, but not necessarily because of the blow to my head. My body simply said, "Okay, Mich, that is enough of that."

I really have no recollection of being taken off the field. The medical staff was working on getting a few IVs in me. They sat me up just as Brandi Chastain put the last penalty kick away, scoring the winning goal. I slumped back with relief and joy; my mission was accomplished.

I wobbled out of the tunnel, hugged my teammates on the podium, and sat down while the team did a victory lap.

Then I heard the fans yelling my name: "Akers! Akers! Akers!" It was incredible. I made my way to the middle of the field and managed a quick wave. I was so overwhelmed and exhausted, it was almost too much for me to take in.

It has been cool to see God open doors through the World Cup. One neat interaction occurred in the stadium tunnel with the Chinese goalkeeper, Gao Hong.

I had heard from friends that she was a fellow Christian, but I was unable to make contact with her amid the chaos of the Cup. In the tunnel prior to the game, she saw me, made eye contact, and then thumped her fist to her chest and then pointed up to God, as if to say, "I am a Christian."

I returned the gesture and smiled. Rock on.

Copyright © 2000 by the author or Christianity Today International/Today's Christian magazine (formerly Christian Reader).
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