My World Cup Runneth Over
In the long tradition of single-named football stars, I now wish to be referred to as Bernardinho. I may even rip my shirt off and run around the living room.
Ok, I can’t claim that I always know what’s going or why when I’m watching the matches, but I’ve come down with a serious case of World Cup fever. Even though there still isn’t a whole lot of scoring going on—as I’ve suggested, an impediment to growing a solid fan base in America—the competitiveness of each game coupled with the obvious nationalism makes each game exciting to watch.
After watching several contests I’ve even started to recognize some unique characteristics of the sport. For example:
• There seems to be no rhyme or reason why referees give some players a yellow card and others a red card. But all of the referees seem to be carding far more players than anyone thinks is necessary. As we like to say in baseball, nobody pays money to see the umpires. Keep the cards in your pockets fellas.
• Players “flop” a lot. Flopping--the act of falling to the ground at the slightest touch from an opponent, in hopes of getting the referee to card that opponent. Even some of the best players in the world flop. Hollywood doesn’t see this kind of acting.
• When a player flops to the ground but the referee doesn’t call anything, upon getting up, he will throw his arms in the air and affect a wide-eyed look of disbelief.
• When a player knocks another player to the ground and the referee cards him, he will throw his arms in the air and affect a wide-eyed look of disbelief.
• When a referee either makes a questionable call or misses an obvious infraction, the coach on the sideline will throw his arms in the air and affect a wide-eyed look of disbelief.
• Second half substitutions are often the key to victory. By the second half, the starters are exhausted from running around and a rested substitute usually has the energy necessary to make a push for a score. I’ve seen it in several matches.
• Players of African descent are on practically every team. At least the winning ones.
With France’s 1-0 victory over defending World Cup Champion Brazil Saturday on a beautiful tap-in by Thierry Henry in the 57th minute, the stage is now set for an all-European quarterfinal. Host nation Germany faces Italy on July 4, while Portugal, who defeated England in a shootout, takes on the French a day later. The final is July 9.
Now, some of my friends and I are so caught up in this that we are already contemplating a trip to the next World Cup in 2010 in South Africa. Anybody want to come along?
Posted by bernie at July 2, 2006 12:16 AMI'm a soccer fan from way back so I absolutely love when the World Cup rolls around. I am very disappointed that both England and Brazil are out but the way they each played in the quaterfinals was well worth their trips home.
Diving is indeed an unfortunate part of the came but toward the end of the round of 16 and the round of 8 I was pleased to see some cards handed out for dives.
Posted by: Michelle at July 2, 2006 3:46 PMHey Michelle. Long time no see. I'd lost track of you across the blogosphere. Now I know where to find you.
Yes, neither England nor Brazil put out a good enough effort to stick around. I think I'm pulling for Italy and France in the final.
Posted by: Bernie at July 2, 2006 7:00 PMOh my "world cup fever." Let me rush you to the hospital. That doesn't sound healthy at all.
Posted by: Shawn at July 3, 2006 9:57 AMOh no, World Cup fever is a good thing. There's no hacking cough and far less phlegm. It's gonna spike in a couple of days.
Posted by: Bernie at July 3, 2006 10:17 AM
im from kenya and so we eat, dream, sleep football..me too im thinking mmhh south africa.. if stuff doesnt work here or if i get seriously tired.. mmmhhhh. so how is the planing going
Before moving to Toronto from East Africa, I was a big fan and then I lost touch with it until just recently. And since there are so many cute ballers of all nationalities...well...let's just say that I can't take my eyes off those short shorts!!...Ahem!
Posted by: Shabaka at July 5, 2006 1:19 AMShabaka, you've pointed out the very obvious advantages of watching this sport, and why I'll be rooting for France today. Woo!
Madame Butterfly, the planning thus far is just in the planning stages.
Posted by: Bernie at July 5, 2006 11:25 AMBernardinho -- I love it:) France vs Italy in the final. Another chance to watch Thierry Henry!!
One of the best things about the Germany vs Italy game was that the refs did a good job of staying out of it and for the most part keeping the cards in their pockets.
And you're right about the 'flopping': These guys are actors in the Grand Tradition. I think all their coaches are reading them excerpts from the Sara Bernhardt acting bible before taking the field.
Posted by: ReggieH at July 5, 2006 10:56 PM