IF anything could be gleaned from Bermuda’s two World Cup matches in the last week is that nothing unites a nation more than sport.At both games there were roughly between 3,000 and 4,000 spectators, all of them black, white, politicians (from both sides of the House), blue collar, white collar workers, every spectrum of society offering their team raucous encouragement.That ultimately the team didn’t reach their goal couldn’t be blamed on a lack of support.It’s only on these rare sporting occasions that an event captures the imagination of so many of those who inhabit these islands. If they can’t attend the game, they want to hear the result as soon as it finishes.Last time it happened was at the 2007 cricket World Cup.In-between, political bickering and violence has taken centre stage and grabbed the headlines.Somewhere amid this scenario is a message that shouldn’t be ignored.If sport can bring together all colours and creeds in such a forceful manner, shouldn’t more emphasis be put on providing memorable occasions such as these.What the majority of the public probably didn’t realise that it was a lack of finance that significantly contributed to the football team’s demise.Originally Bermuda were scheduled to play Trinidad away and then Guyana at home, and then Trinidad at home and Guyana away.Instead, because it was cheaper to play both Caribbean sides on the road and then two consecutive games at the National Sports Centre, Bermuda were already on the back foot.Having lost twice in the Caribbean, they were left with two make-or-break games at the National Sports Centre.Success is built on confidence and had Bermuda taken two points, even three, in those two opening games, the outcome could have been much different.Lack of finance is the same reason that by and large footballers don’t get enough international experience. It’s too expensive to bring in other national teams on a regular basis, either in competition or for friendly games, and too costly to travel abroad.In recent years, our cricketers never experienced that problem as funds have been made available by the sport’s the governing body, the International Cricket Council.FIFA, on the other hand, don’t extend such generosity.If Bermuda Football Association want their teams to fly overseas to compete then the cash has to come mostly out of their own pockets or from Government’s annual grant.Gate receipts from the last two games will have helped boost the kitty but not to the extent that they’ll be planning too many trips in the near future.A shortage of cash was the reason why BFA had to choose between taking part in the World Cup or the Olympic qualifiers. They couldn’t afford both.Some might argue they made the wrong choice.But it would have been nice had they been given the opportunity to qualify in any one of the two.Given the excitement generated by the games against Trinidad and Guyana at NSC, it would have been a worthwhile investment.Politicians and civil servants regularly globetrott in business class at the taxpayer’s expense, often providing little benefit to the average working man or woman.Wouldn’t it make far more sense to siphon off some of that money and put it into sporting events such as those we witnessed in the last week?Wouldn’t that help lift spirits and provide some welcome relief in this time of economic misery.The atmosphere created by the Gombeys, the drum banging, the horn blowing and ear-splitting screaming albeit not appreciated by all those in the stands makes for a rare occasion when Bermuda comes together with unified voice.Pity the World Cup dream was shattered so early in this week’s draw.More of the same would have been much appreciated.IN a more conservative setting, Bermuda plays host to some of the world’s most talented professional golfers next week, among them Rory McIllroy, tipped by some to become the next Tiger Woods.But tickets are some way from selling out.In fact, organisers have launched a scheme whereby those who buy two tickets for the two days’ tournament play and Monday’s Pro-Am will get another two free.It remains to be seen whether that initiative helps inflate the galleries.While competition is being played over two midweek days when employees find it difficult to take time off, one would expect such an attraction to make more of an impact on an island where golf, in terms of participation, has few rivals.Gate fee for one day’s play at Port Royal is just $20.At Devonshire Rec, BAA or Somerset on a Sunday afternoon it’s $10 to watch amateurs booting around a football.Take your pick.ADRIAN ROBSON