How many of you have been watching the World Cup? I have surprised myself with the recent realization that I am a World Cup fanatic. I love futbol (soccer)!
The other day I was eating my soup and salad combo at the Olive Garden when I overheard a group of guys next to me talking about the World Cup. There was only one self-identified Latino and the rest of the guys seemed to defer to him and his soccer expertise, even though he candidly admitted that he was more of a baseball guy himself, being Dominican. Yet, the others were very interested in his opinion as a Latino; and as he spoke I realized that I knew as much, if not more than him, about each of the teams and the players. That's when I came to terms with the fact that I am an undisputed World Cup fanatic.
This might have something to do with my upbringing as a second generation American. Every weekend I took comfort in the fantastic sound of "Gooooooooooooooal" emerging from the TV without fail. Like an old friend I counted on the announcers pronouncement and now as an adult I remember it with a certain nostalgia- with it come memories of my mom's home cooked meals and games shared with my dad.
My love for soccer might also have something to do with the fact that everywhere I've lived, my life has been touched by the sport. When I lived in Mexico for six months as a ten year old, it was the sport of choice. When I lived in Brasil as a teenager, everyone talked nonstop about soccer. And when I lived in China in the nineties, I remember after a few months of hearing no Spanish, a bit of English and mostly Chinese, being woken up one morning by the sound of Rick Martin's Copa de la Vida.
I love the sport. I find it beautiful, graceful, exciting and fun. Though my number one pick this year is the USA, since I was born in said country, I am also rooting for Mexico, the country of my father's birth; France, another one of my ancestral countries; Brasil, the country where I left my heart as a fifteen year old; and Italy because I love how they play.
Now I have to run. The Mexico vs Uruguay game is about to start.
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My predictions for this game is: 4-1
These are the 16 team that should move on forward to the 8th finals:
i.e. the first place of group A (Uruguay) will play the second place of group B (Korean Rep.)
Since not all team did finish played this schedule it may chance for one or two teams.
1a-2b = Uruguay x Korea Republic - 6/26
1c-2d = Slovenia x Germany - 6/26
1d-2c = Serbia x USA - 6/27
1b-2a = Uruguay x Mexico - 6/27
1e-2f = Nederland x Italy - 6/28
1g-2h = Brazil x Spain - 6/28
1f-2e = Paraguay x Japan/Denmark - 6/28
1h-2g = Chile x Portugal - 6/28
1c-2d = USA x Ghana - 6/26
What a disappointment Mexico was!
Do not work tomorrow, USA and Algeria.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=90tSR88Dc-c
#1- I have seen in my life the evolution of this sport in the US and I am thrilled with what I see.
#2- As Univision so aptly put it in one of its commercials: cuando juega Estados Unidos - todos estamos Unidos. In other words - when the US plays we are all united. The US being the diverse nation that it is often rallies many of us who also cheer for other teams given our heritage. Many times the Americans that you see cheering are the kids of Mexicans, Uruguayans, Argentines, Koreans, etc.