[originaltext] Some people argue that the pressure on international sportsme

Some people argue that the pressure on international sportsmen and sportswomen kills the essence of sport -- the pursuit of personal excellence. Children kick a football around for fun. When they get older and play for local school teams, they become competitive but they still enjoy playing. The individual representing his country cannot afford to think about enjoying himself. He has to think only about winning. He is responsible for an entire nation’s hopes, dreams and reputation.
    A good example is the football World Cup. Football is the world’s most important sport. Winning the World Cup is perhaps the summit of international sporting success.  Mention "Brazil" to someone and the chances are that he’ll think of football. In a sense, winning the World Cup "put Brazil on the map".
    Sports fans and supporters get quite irrational about the World Cup. People in England felt that their country was somehow important after they won in 1966. Last year thousands of Scots sold their cars, and even their houses, and spent all their money traveling to Brazil, who won the cup.