Make the most of opportunities

Always be ready.
That’s a lesson to be learned from Monday’s 2-1 win by the United States over Ghana in its opening game of the World Cup.
Far too often, athletes, fans (especially parent fans) and even coaches get too caught up in the starting lineup.
Who walks out in the opening introductions really doesn’t matter. What is far more important is who is called upon when the game is on the line.
For those who aren’t the slightest bit soccer fans, suffice it to say this: In order for the United States to have any real chance to advance from pool play to the championship tournament, they had to win Monday.
So when Ghana scored to pull even in the 82nd minute, the pressure was on.
Just four minutes later, John Brooks hit a perfect header off of a corner kick from Graham Zusi. The ball zipped past Ghana goalie Adam Kwarasey, putting the United States back on top.
The Red, White and Blue held on through the final four minutes of regulation and five minutes of extra time for the 2-1 win.
What’s notable about Brooks and Zusi is both opened the game on the bench. In fact, neither even saw the field in the first half.
Brooks, who was born in Germany while his father was in the military, entered the game after the intermission. Zusi was the last of the three U.S. substitutes, hitting the field with just 13 minutes left in regulation.
But when they got their opportunity, they made the most of it.
Sports fans have seen stories like this time and time again. Often, it’s not the All-Star or the Pro Bowler who ends up being key to a championship. Instead, it’s the unheralded unknown who comes through when his or her team needs it most.
A quick look at MVPs from the World Series — David Freese (St. Louis – 2011) and Scott Brosius (New York Yankees – 1998) — and Super Bowl — Malcolm Smith (Seattle – 2014) and Desmond Howard (Green Bay – 1997) — give some examples. Robert Horry made a career of hitting shots at the most opportune moments for the Houston Rockets, Los Angeles Lakers and San Antonio Spurs, to the point that the man who averaged just 7.0 points per game for his career earned the nickname “Big Shot Bob”.
Sure, day in and day out the spotlight shines on the superstars. But the truly special moments come from those who are ready when called upon.[[In-content Ad]]