What's it like to cover a global tournament through a local lens?

12 News sports anchor Aniekan Okon joined this week's episode of "Behind the Story" to discuss his experience covering the FIFA World Cup, with international matches hosted at Gillette Stadium, which has been dubbed "Boston Stadium" for the tournament.

"These days where there are so many difference and it seems like we're kind of pulling as people in opposite directions, events like the World Cup remind you that we're a lot more similar than we are different," Okon said.

In addition to covering the matches, Okon spent several days reporting from the Fan Zone in Providence, where he delivered countless live shots for both local and national audiences. Okon said described it as an experience of a lifetime.

"It doesn't matter if you know your team is in it," he said. "Just a chance to watch some of the biggest stars in the world on your home soil is a gift."

Okon and his 12 News colleague, Melanie DaSilva, also launched a special digital TV show, "48 Nations," featuring interviews with soccer figures and discussions about all aspects of the tournament.

Later in the show, Dan and Eli discussed the "stories we wish we wrote," including:

• RI coastal regulators reluctant to shore up entire Newport Cliff Walk by Nancy Lavin, Rhode Island Current
• Family calls for transparency after Lincoln graduate’s diploma questioned by Rochelle Medeiros, The Valley Breeze

• Doctors hope to cut back on unnecessary C-sections by Kim Kalunian, 12 News anchor and "Behind the Story" cohost
• Is South Coast Rail bringing ‘a bunch of rich people’ to New Bedford? by Grace Ferguson, The New Bedford Light

“Behind the Story” is hosted by Eli Sherman, Kim Kalunian and Dan McGowan.