Summary of Key Points
This article compares two matches—England vs Mexico (teamwork and selfless dedication) and Portugal vs Spain (individual obsession holding back the team)—to illustrate a fundamental principle in both the workplace and business world through football tactics. The key to team success lies in collaborative efforts where individuals “forget about themselves.” Personal obsessions, even if once considered strengths, can become obstacles. Those invisible contributions that are not recorded by statistics often determine the final outcome.
I. The Distinct Contrast Between the Two Matches: Teamwork vs Individual Demerits
- England Team: Everyone worked together to support their teammates.
England’s coach, Tuchel, used Saka (a winger) to defend as a fifth defender, narrowing the opponent’s attacking options; Rice (a midfielder) ran 50 meters to create opportunities for Saka; Kane (a striker) moved back to midfield to help with defense; Anderson (a defender) ran 50 meters without the ball to open up space… The whole team worked like well-oiled machinery, with no one seeking attention for themselves, only focusing on supporting their teammates.
- Portugal Team: Cristiano Ronaldo’s obsession harmed the entire team.
Ronaldo wanted to start and play the entire match but refused to be substituted when he ran out of energy, weakening the team’s attack. Coach Martinez’s tactics and player selections were also problematic (for example, Ruben Neves was ineffective). Most importantly, Ronaldo prioritized his own desire to win over the team’s success, similar to someone in the workplace who focuses on their own performance rather than the team’s goals.
II. Those “Invisible Contributions” That Determine Victory
Football statistics (goals, assists) only capture the surface; victory relies on unseen efforts:
- Rice running 50 meters: Not to show off skills but to give Saka a comfortable receiving position and save teammates’ energy.
- Anderson running 50 meters without the ball: Despite being a defender, he moved forward to create more passing options for Bellingerham.
- Saka defending: A winger putting aside his “star” status to help defend and reassure his teammates.
These details are like colleagues in the workplace who fix unnoticed mistakes or take on difficult tasks to free up space for others—unappreciated, but essential for the project’s success.
III. From the Football Field to the Business World: The Same Logic, Different Contexts
The article subtly connects football with economics and the workplace:
- Real Estate Companies’ Choices: Companies with a “gambling” mentality (like Ronaldo’s obsession) seized opportunities in 2008 but faced crises in 2021; those that transformed avoided risks but also missed out on opportunities. This shows that strengths and weaknesses are often intertwined, and the key lies in “timing” and “team needs.”
- Basic Workplace Principles: Playing football is about winning; working is about doing things well. If someone puts themselves above the team (by taking credit or not cooperating), the outcome will be poor, whether in sports or business.
IV. The Best Version of Yourself Lies in “Forgetting About Yourself”
The author says: “A game where everyone forgets about themselves becomes the foundation for shaping one’s true self.” This means:
- No one on the England team wanted to be a lone hero, yet they played an unforgettable match.
- On the field, you won’t get angry when your teammates support you; instead, you’ll feel grateful because everyone is working together.
- In life, if you are willing to contribute selflessly (helping colleagues, sacrificing for the team), you will eventually find good partners.
Just as in the workplace, being unassuming and dedicated leads to recognition—this is the logic of long-term success.
Final Conclusion
Whether it’s football, work, or business: Don’t put too much emphasis on yourself. Only when the team succeeds do you truly win. Those who are willing to support others will achieve the best results.