Understanding football solely as a 'game' is akin to believing that the purpose of sex is procreation, or that food is only fuel. Football is far more than a spectacle confined to a pitch: the events that take place on the field offer moments of pure transcendence and provide the lifeblood of lifelong friendships. Football is unique in its universality, in its capacity to bind families and nations - albeit temporarily while being simultaneously ridiculous, funny and eminently memeable. Perhaps most importantly, only religion can rival football in terms of inspiring people's fanatical devotion. With all that considered, football's power to influence the cultural landscape and dramatically shift mindsets should not be underestimated.