Waka Waka

Let's face it, I'm not into sports. I went to a football school for undergrad, attended my fair share of games, and was bored almost every time. I couldn't stand the assumption that group television time must be spent watching the games. I do enjoy attending major league baseball games, but only for the Chicago teams, and after one evening at U.S. Cellular Field I doubt if I can be convinced to go back without a large group to defend me. I can't get into basketball, lacrosse does nothing for me, I really only enjoy the opening ceremonies to the Olympics.

But I love football. Futbol, football, soccer, however you say it I love that game. I love it because it's fast paced, continuous play. I love that it demands skilled foot work (and I'm a dance nut), I love that it's the only sport that the whole world plays and the fans. Oh the fans! Deeply passionate, at times vicious, and filled with a love of the game. I love the chants, I love the songs. I don't know any other sport that can sustain a sub-genre of pop music on semi-annual pop songs, or at least a collection of songs that I enjoy and want to listen to more than once. I love being at games, or watching them with a group on TV; mostly because I actually know what's going on.

I mention this, because it's World Cup 2010, South Africa. The last time I was abroad it was the Euro Championships, which began mere days after I left Switzerland (a host country). This year I started my viewing with the USA-England game; a charming group of gentlemen decided to put up screens in DuPont Circle for the presentation of all the games. I arrived with my brother in time for the Argentina-Nigeria game, and it was fabulous. Huge group of people, approaching too hot, not enough space, who could ask for more? As it turns out, I could ask for an air-conditioned bar, with seating and rowdy fans for the actual US-England game, complete with chants disparaging the Queen and BP. Nothing like disaster based national hate.

I had a great day, to say the least. The Cup is up and running, and I'll be leaving the country in two days. Luckily I'm headed to Ireland, so I'm sure to still have an opportunity to see as many games as I want, provided I don't cheer for France, ever. It's a good thing I was reminded that Ireland was ousted by France before I commit any fan faux pas.