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The Global Conversation Happening Now #WorldCup

The World Cup is here! The World Cup is HERE!!!

In 2002, I landed in Japan shortly after the World Cup came to an end. The host country was still a buzz and the Japanese had definitely caught soccer fever. In 2006, I spent many nights and many early mornings cheering on the Japan National Team and my favorite player, Yoshikatsu Kawaguchi. Have a look at this photo of the bar where we gathered and cheered. See anything unusual? 😉

In 2010 I was working in Vietnam and watched several rivalries play out on the Press Club’s terrace. I cheered for both Japan and the USA. I spent one evening in a tiny restaurant for the England – USA match which was surprisingly friendly and free of hooligans.

This year, I am still cheering for my J-boys, but also Team USA! Of course! What is so different this year is the massive opportunity to be present online and take part in the global conversation. Both Twitter and Facebook have special World Cup features, and many of the sports blogs have interactive sites.

The 2014 World Cup is set to be not only the most social World Cup yet, but also the most social sporting event of all time. How will you be a part of the global conversation? Will you take advantage of the opportunities the World Cup presents?

Bonus photo: Kawaguchi saving a penalty kick versus Croatia in 2006

Tags: Brazil 2014, social media, strategic communication, World Cup 2014