The day began like every other. But thousands of miles away, as day faded into night, things were about to get crazy.
And when the fans were silenced and the stadiums emptied, the Swedish flag flew the highest.
I don't think anyone paying attention to this year's World Cup soccer competition in Russia would have been too surprised to see the Swedish team advance to the next round. There were several scenarios that allowed the boys in blue and yellow to continue playing. Of the four teams in Group F, only South Korea was out of the running at the start of the day. Like the child's game, Germany, Mexico, and Sweden each hoped to be sitting in one of only two chairs when the music stopped.
Turns out, the Germans found themselves outside looking in.
Even though Germany was vulnerable, the soccer gods have always smiled on their team. They were the defending World Cup champions coming in and they were ranked #1 in the world. Somehow, some way they would find a way to advance. And they would have done it, too, had it not been for the Swedes and the Koreans.
Each year rankings are published showing the world's happiest nations. My personal favorite Scandinavian country, Denmark, has consistently topped many of those lists. But I'll bet, the Danish neighbors to the north (and east...) are the world's happiest people tonight. They may get knocked out next week, but today, they're the kings. Congrats Sweden! You did great!
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