There have been a lot of football vs fussball jibes which is frankly juvenile and pedestrian.
What fascinates me is the joy and exuberance of the fans during this World Cup. The national pride and joy shown by the fans for their teams has been intoxicating.
As an American, I wonder when our jaded stadium sports fans last broke out in song and (dare I say the word ) 'gaiety' out of national pride?
When was the last time we cheered 750,000 strong in the streets for an American team?
Are we so self-absorbed that we've lost that pride which truly makes the World Cup the premier world sports event ?
I'd also say that the World Cup is the best answer yet to one-world multi-culturalism.
By the way this is the first time I've ever closely followed a World Cup - the fact that I'm seeing it over here in Europe has made me appreciate it all the more.
What are you doing in Europe?? Hawaii is a great place during the entire year! :)
The World Cup is indeed a good answer to the multi-kulti ideology - peacefully united in diversity. Nobody gives up his identity but respects the pride of the others as a matter of course. The World Cup in Germany has made this feeling understandable even for the Germans, who have often enough had problems to stand behind their nation and its symbols. Germany is a normal nation, at last. No need to feel shame when your own anthem is played, but it´s a reason to rise your voice and join the choir.
Gotta love it. While I was too excited to watch the quarter final against Argentina at one of the large screens in an inner city, I will join the masses and be at such a place on Tuesday when we play Italy.
America isn´t a nation that likes crowds. And where would you go? Most inner cities aren´t charming with their modern office towers and almost no pedestrians-only zones. You´d feel lost there. So, the average American puts its US flag with no less pride at his house and cheers the victory of his team with a few invited friends. I couldn´t imagine to see him dancing/partying on the streets with strangers. That may happen in Italian neighbourhoods or so, but not in the averge town/suburb.
Off topic and forgive my limey ignorance -- but why does the union jack sit in the top left corner of the Hawaii flag?
Anyway, I hope it means you are supporting England!
I agree. I was in Germany during the 1998 WC and started watching it with my kids. I have been hooked on soccer ever since. I ended up becoming a FC Bayern Munchen fan and going to many BL and Champions League matches all over the continent to watch them. My family has some great memories of those trips and the matches. I wish MLS could become a high quality league on par with the ones in Europe.