The Size of the Dog in the Fight

I really enjoyed watching the Houston Texans putting the Indianapolis Colts to the sword last Sunday. The played with grit and determination and stuck to their game plan. The punched hard against a much more fancied, and at least on paper, more skilled side led by Peyton Manning. It reminded me of little New Zealand battling away in the 2010 FIFA World Cup fought in South Africa a couple of months back.

The one standout facet from the World Cup that rose above all others is best stated in the ago old adage, "It's not the size of the dog in the fight, but the size of the fight in the dog!" Let me illustrate. On one hand there were perennial powerhouses in England, France and Italy, exiting early, some not even making the second round. An examination of why is crucial here.

Italy simply took the opposition far too lightly. They relied on the same old troops in battle, the same tired old plays. They had no imagination. They expended about as much effort as a family of Koala's in a lush Eucalyptus forest (Koala's sleep up to 23 hours a day!). Italy did just about enough in each game, and no more. The French were like a loosely-tied raft in a turbulent sea. The coach had no idea, the players seemed lost, the plan was that there was no plan; in fact there was no team at all. It was sad and sorry to watch these groups implode and head home like whipped dogs.

By contrast New Zealand, ranked 78th in the world, didn't give a hoot about what other teams thought of them. They were there to do a job, to play to the very depths of their abilities, as players and as comrades. They didn't care about reputations and they certainly didn't worry that some of the world's most expensive players were arrayed against them. They simply played for each other, for their country, for their families and thoroughly enjoyed themselves doing it. You could positively see the joy on the faces coupled with a steely determination to get the job done.

It's amazing to see teamwork in action, pride at work and willingness to do what it takes. Mental toughness accounts for more victories in sport than any other factor. Sport is not just a test of skill but one of temperament and character. New Zealand and the Texans had it in spades.