Summary of the Key Points
This article uses the author's own World Cup viewing experience as a thread to discuss various aspects of the changes in the World Cup (such as the expansion from 32 to 48 teams and the enhancement of commercial operations), the interaction between AI and the World Cup (which leverages hype but lacks human touch), the irreplaceability of "human moments" in football, and the author's reflection on the uniqueness of human emotions in the age of technology. It is not a pure sports commentary; rather, it uses the World Cup as a "light of civilization" to explore how precious those irrational and emotionally engaging aspects of humanity are in the AI era.
1. The World Cup Has Changed: From a Competition of Elite Teams to a Global Show
In the past, the World Cup featured 32 teams, with the final round of group matches being crucial for survival, as seen in the "group of death" that eliminated Germany in 2018, creating a high level of tension. Now, with 48 teams, there are 72 group matches to eliminate 16, making the pace more akin to an NBA regular season—strong teams first showcase their skills within their own groups, with the truly decisive clashes waiting until the later rounds. The author compares this to "Hunters: Online," where various experts display their prowess in their respective fields before the actual competition.
This change makes the viewing experience feel unfamiliar: it lacks the intense drama of the final group matches, but it adds the excitement of the knockout stage. However, the author feels that the original sense of "decisive encounters" has diminished, turning the World Cup more into a global showcase. Nevertheless, this format also has its benefits, such as allowing smaller countries like Cape Verde to gain worldwide attention.
2. The Americans Have Turned the World Cup into a Money-Making Machine
This year's World Cup was held in the United States, and the commercial aspect was overwhelming. The author highlights several examples:
- State-of-the-Art Venues: The AT&T Stadium in Dallas (home of the NFL Cowboys) resembles an arena, with a central IMAX screen that immerses the audience as if they were at the "Hunger Games," instantly boosting the atmosphere.
- Making Money Every Minute: During water breaks, not only do players get electrolyte drinks, but time is also allocated for the audience to use the restroom and for advertisers to insert their commercials—everyone benefits.
- The High Commercial Value of Teams: The Cowboys have been the most valuable sports team for 10 consecutive years (formerly Real Madrid), demonstrating how adept Americans are at managing sports IPs.
The mature commercial operations have transformed the atmosphere of the World Cup, but this "professionalism" also enhances the audience experience—at least there's no longer the hassle of struggling to find a restroom or watching blurry broadcasts.
3. AI Leverages the World Cup's Hype but Lacks True Brilliance
AI aims to prove its capabilities by predicting match outcomes, with some predictions coming true. However, the author believes this is akin to gamblers boasting their confidence; predicting correctly does not necessarily mean that AI is intelligent; it's just a matter of probability. More importantly, AI falls short when it comes to understanding human behavior:
- AI Writing Lacks Soul: The author notes that while AI-assisted writing can be smooth, it lacks the sharp, sarcastic humor found in real-life situations—like a player who practices perfectly but misses the last shot due to a lack of inspiration.
- The Charm of Football Lies in Imperfection: AI focuses on data and optimal solutions, but fans remember "human moments" such as Simeone's tactics against Beckham, Zidane's headbutt on Materazzi, and Suarez's handball save for Uruguay. These impulsive and flawed moments are the essence of football.
4. The Right to "Hate Without Reason" is Unique to Humans
The author admits that he simply dislikes the French team without any specific reason—perhaps it's because of Trezeguet's winning goal against Italy or Mbappé's personality. This type of irrational emotion is something AI cannot replicate. The author contrasts this with AI's analytical approach, emphasizing that human irrationality is what distinguishes us from machines; we don't need logic for everything, and occasional caprices add meaning to life.
5. The World Cup Is a Carrier of Dreams, and AI Cannot Enter Human Dreams
The World Cup represents a dream: when Paraguay and Ecuador defeat Germany, the entire nation celebrates, as if a dream has come true; when a Brazilian grandfather holds a replica of the World Cup, the author supports Brazil with him, experiencing the process of creating dreams. The author also recalls memories of the 2016 Euro in Rome, where Zaza's missed penalty was a source of disappointment. These moments are beyond AI's understanding and reproduction.
The significance of the World Cup lies not in data or champions, but in allowing humans to find those irrational joys during the quadrennial celebrations—this is the true essence of civilization.
In conclusion, the author ends with the Italian phrase "Only what has reached its ultimate decline can be reborn," expressing both hope for Italian football and confidence in humanity in the AI era. No matter how advanced technology becomes, those warm, brilliant, and even irrational aspects of human nature will always be our most precious treasures.