The problem comes because Steinbach and Providence have
given me so many friends from around the world. Some of our best friends are
German, so I should cheer for Germany. But I remember watching England vs. West
Germany in 1966 and Netherlands vs. West Germany in 1974 (both on TV—my first
international games on little black and white TV sets). Those games established
my European loyalties as a convinced Anglophile. I cheer against Germany, and
rejoice that my friends can be glad with Germany’s success.
We have good friends from Colombia. Lois always enjoys
having Colombian students in her English class because they make good classes
even better and more enjoyable. So I should cheer for Colombia. But I remember
watching Brazil against Italy in 1970—my first game in colour, watching with my
soccer-playing friend from college, Dale Engle on his colour TV. I remember
Pele (his last game for Brazil in the World Cup) leaping high to head the ball
in with amazing power from about 12 yards out, the goalie rooted to goal line. That
game established my love of Brazilian soccer. So I cheered for Brazil against
Colombia, and I would have celebrated my friends’ delight had Colombia
advanced.
We have good friends from Argentina too; but supporting England
means not cheering for Argentina (think Maradona and the hand of God in 1986).
It also means that I can enjoy the goal Maradona scored later in that match: I
remember four English players strewn like leaves on the field as the camera
panned back from Maradona’s goal to the players he had left behind, lying on
the ground.
So it goes. I cheer for some teams and root against others,
but I enjoy brilliant play wherever it comes from. I cheer for England (out)
and the USA (out). I cheer for Holland (in as I type, but playing later today)
and Brazil (in for a few more days). And I love the play of all.
Of course I dislike diving. Most players do it: Robben of
Holland is named and guilty, but Mueller of Germany is equally skilled at scoring
(a wonderful player!) and at claiming free kicks when someone grazes him
lightly. Of course I dislike needless fouling. Most players do it: there’s a
reason that certain fouls are called “professional fouls”. But my dislikes pale
beside the valour and desire of the Americans, the attacking play of the
Germans and the Dutch, the quick skill of the South Americans, the quick short
passes of Spain and Portugal. From Ronaldo to van Persie to Mueller, from Neymar
to Messi to Rodriguez, one after the other too many to name, they have brought me
joy and delight as the World Cup progresses.
In the end one has to say also, soccer is a game; no more than
that. When it ends each country still faces the challenges of daily life. I
wish for Brazil success in dealing with the challenges that have led so many to
question the money spent on the World Cup. Whether they go through the
semi-finals and finals or lose their next game, thank you for the soccer (football
as the rest of the world calls it), and success in the more important things of
life.
4 comments:
What about biting? You didn't address biting.
It has been an exciting World Cup thus far. Methinks the location has given a bit of an edge to the Central and South American teams--maybe being better acclimated to the native climate.
We have been planning our days around these matches. Within reason, of course.
First question: See the next post.
Second point: You're right I think. European teams have never won the cup in S.A., and South American teams have never won the cup in Europe. At least I think that's right.
Brazil won the 1958 World Cup in Sweden, but otherwise you're right; no other European/SA team has won on the other's continent.
One reason that a Germany-Argentina or Brazil-Holland final seems so right. A Germany-Holland final (1974 reprise) could be interesting; Brazil-Argentina could be scary.
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