Soccer SuperFans

We won, we won, we won! What a game...I probably have a new ulcer.

Surprisingly, there were more Spanish fans yesterday than I expected and I even saw more flags on the road, I'm not alone!

My Car is loaded with Brazilian Flags but on Canada Day I do not drive it. If I Do! I take down the Brazilian Flags and put up a Canadian Flag on the Hood,

I love Canada and it's been my Home for 15 years I am a proud Canadian and I will defend and fight for Canada because this is my Country and my Home.

Anyway, its done, and there's nothing we can do now, but enjoy the remaining games, slowly but surely the slime bag teams are going out.

Now, we have to hit all the pubs in our England shirts and cheer the Germans on to win, then the king of the slime bags can go home.

It might have been a different game had we have gone in tied at the half, if,if,if....

The only gripe I have is we should have had at least goal line cameras ages ago, the game has progressed, the ball technology has progressed, even football boot technology has changed.

Monday was my last day in Toronto before heading to São Paulo for my summer vacations. Monday, as we all know, was also the date of Brazil's amazing victory against Chile.

In the midst of packing and last minute arrangements, I spared some time to gather with friends and watch the game. There could not have been a better way to say good-bye to my buddies and to prepare myself for the World Cup environment in Brazil.

We drove up and down the main strip numerous times, getting out at stop lights to wave and jump and screaming the ever popular "Ole Ole Ole Ole" song.

What a sight for outsiders I can only imagine. 50-60 German fans in schwarz, rot und gelb gear, faces painted, flags waving, screaming obnoxiously in the middle of the road...and our actions seemed to bring out smiles from onlookers.

Yes England has been knocked out by 3/ 3 penalties, and Germany has won 4/4.

But this England team is not that England team, and this German team is not that German team.

On Monday June 21, my husband YongHo and I headed out from Los Angeles in a recreational vehicle, RV.  First stop, the Wal-Mart parking lot in Las Vegas.  We went to sleep with our plan of action for the next day. 

We headed to the Korean restaurant on the main strip.  While waiting for our soup and rice, YongHo was browsing the local Korean newspaper.  He found that as the game was going to be during regular waking hours, 11AM, there was an advertisement for an organized event. 

We have already beaten the odds, and the nay sayers, are now saying "maybe", it's a step up anyhow. 

After the Italians went down, all the papers had to say was "how lousy the Italians played" and "how shameful they should feel", nothing about the strength and fortitude of our nation of heroes...we've done it in the Olympics, and in hockey.

Portugal's opening draw against Ivory Coast, thunderous 7-0 win over North Korea and recent draw with the great Brazil have demonstrated different facets of the Portuguese team. 

Yesterday was one of the greatest days in Slovak sport's history. No  

one believed it would or COULD ever happen, but it happened. We defeated the reigning World Cup Champs from Italy. Although I may be biased, I believe that it was by far the most exciting and dramatic game of the tournament so far. 

At around the 68^th minute, a penalty kick was awarded to the US, which made me thank God! But as we were watching Landon Donovan set up the ball for his shot, we realized how much pressure was on his shoulders. My mom commented that she couldn't imagine what his mother would be feeling. I definitely wouldn't want to trade places with him at that moment.

As crazy as this might sound, a few of us stood up in support with our hands on our hearts as the Ghana National Anthem was played. At that moment, I was filled with great pride to be a Ghanaian; looking around my living room, I noticed I was not the only one. In our minds, we knew someway, somehow it was going to be a GOOD DAY!

Greece posed an entangled game. Argentina with 7 changes and Veron back in the field had the ball control. Argentina was trying to shoot to the net with
the best thing that knows to do: make short passes. Never lost the patience with long passes.

Uruguayans don't even call many of their players by their names, but by their nicknames, which are not necessarily complementary, but are always a way of getting closer to our heroes.

In the current squad, Maxi Pereira is called Mono (monkey), the not exactly follicle-challenged Martin Caceres is Pelado (bald), Alvaro Pereira is Palito (little stick), Diego Forlan is Cachavacha (named after a children's cartoon witch) and Sebastian Abreu is Loco (Crazy).

Considering the close links between Ghana and German over the past few decades Ghanaians and Germans had both been eagerly waiting this clash.

This connection seemed to be in every Ghanaian home as many Ghanaians migrated in the late 70s and early 80s to Germany. My little cousin in Berlin called me to warn me that the German Machine would not have mercy on Ghana, which caused me to laugh and whole heartedly accept the challenge he lay down. 

Of course in the midst of the G20 Summit, wedding beauty prep and shopping...I'm dragging all my friends to see the game!  I'm packing at least 3 spanish jerseys!

My only hope is that at least in Toronto I may find some fellow Spanish followers.

Italian fans slowly started arriving 1 by 1, filling up the place, then a couple of guys with drums arrived as well, and a camera crew from the local news too.

I am not going to lie. I was quite nervous going into the game yesterday. Not because Ghana is a better team - mind you they did hold their own throughout the first round, but because I don 't think Germany has been playing to their full potential.

With all the injuries and yellow cards, I really thought it would be a tough match. To an extent I was right, as we only slid by Ghana with one goal but it did prove to be a great day to celebrate!!

I had mentioned in one of my previous reports that I enjoy history, and I am very excited about the history that exists between England and Germany.

I think that when these 2 teams play there is also more than just a result of a soccer game at stake, and that they both play with enormous passion as to represent their country with pride. I look forward to a great match........ Two World Wars and One World Cup!

I noticed this today when I got together with a couple of friends to watch a few of World Cup matches. As we gathered around, I slowly came to the realization that we were all cheering on different teams.

I'm sitting tight with my fingers crossed, counting down to game day. The defending champions can play better than what they've shown - it's just a matter of whether or not they will do it.

Today's game was do or die. Arguably the most important game England has played in the last 4 years (if not longer)- and it's Wednesday. 

What do I do? Do I find some convenient excuse that would allow me to "be a little late" for work this morning, nip off down the pub and watch the game? What could I possibly have come down with so suddenly as to merit "bed rest"? Think Chris, and fast...

"Come on England we need to sort it out, Set aside your ego,
We're tired of bragging about 40 odd years ago,
We need a victory, quick, fast,
Surely it's the right time, I wanna see you win it in my lifetime"

Soccer has absolutely changed my life and allowed me see the world while playing a sport I love. In my travels, I've met new friends, saw places I probably would of never seen and it has given me the opportunity to educate and tell my stories to Aboriginal youth.

I got decked out in Spanish paraphernalia down to my red undies, and made my way to what turned out to be a pretty quiet venue.

I dragged a couple of my friends who had a great time listening to my swearing, praying and yelling...all in Spanish! 

Someone who saw me on the news, found me on the street and said "I have a TV for you! It's an old TV, but it works". And, here it is! This is my TV. Don't you think that is the most amazing TV ever? I mean, there are plasma TV's, LED's, 60 inches....but they do not have this sort of charm...and they are not IN MY HOUSE.

So for the Spanish match, I will prepare some "tapas", some "tinto de verano" which means Summer's red. 

Here in Toronto, it's different because most of the countries are represented in one City. During the first round everybody gets excited. Everybody has mathematical chances to move forward. On such days, there are celebrations from every Nation. You can hear horns every single day. So, Toronto becomes a Colourful Nation where fans from all Countries experience the greatest sport "party" in the World.

The goal was so fantastic that his arm's help didn't matter. Even the French referee Stephane Lannoy saw it and smiled. But perhaps, like millions around the world, he was so astonished with Fabiano's astuteness that he decided to let it go. After all, it was an incredible display of guts and skill.

That play reminded me why I enjoy soccer so much. Those few seconds can bring me as much excitement and joy, as an incredible guitar solo or the ending of an opera. 

We need some pizzazz, keep the opposition on their toes - we play so predictably. I thought we would lose the game against the U.S.,and would wake us up...nope!  But that's OK. 

I shall still be screaming at the tele on wednesday. I have my new haircut, courtesy of Katrina(I can't advertise for her but she's in Market Mall Calgary). So I'm looking good for the game. The boss probably won't like it, but, priorities man.

Standing nearby was a volunteer who was in charge of watching the pitch. Naturally I asked the gentleman if I could go for a run around the field. He looked left and right then said," I don't see why not?" 

My eyes lit up and I jumped the first row to the grass, made my way to the field! It was surreal to be standing on the World Cup pitch with nobody else on it but me only an hour after a match was played. After all I was just going out for a stroll.

After all these years of rebuilding the national  soccer program, Serbia looks ready to take that plunge back into the stratosphere of a 'legitimate threat' at the international soccer level.

With Wednesday's big game fast approaching, if nothing else, Serbia can take comfort in knowing that it controls its destiny.

And as long as our boys play their hearts out, you can't ask for anything more than that.

I was waiting on the street for a friend. It was Canada Day 2008 and I was going to a Toronto FC match that day. It had just been a few days since La Roja won the European Cup and I was wearing my España T-shirt. I was celebrating and red was a requisite colour for the day.

Then, I saw an athletic-looking man with clear eyes. The face looked familiar. It was Amado Guevara, former TFC midfield maestro and captain of the Honduran National Team.

And the All Whites do hold on for a tie. The Kiwigoths sack Rome. Against all the odds. It's as if Caesar's army was defeated by a bank teller using only a sharpened slice of kiwifruit as a weapon. What a splendid day. We won't forget that for a while.

It seems like we'll be awarded a penalty in every game...as in the 2006 World Cup, we were awarded a penalty in the games vs Czech Republic and the USA.

If we go through the World Cup on penalties alone I wouldn't care.

We want to sit back, relax and watch our Azzurri go out on the pitch, play a good game, score a couple of goals and simply win.

Instead, we get a performance today that's the equivalent to a piece of construction paper decorated with lots of glue and some scattered elbow macaroni.

We definitely need to gain some ground and hop into that drivers seat. I know that our congregation of Slovaks and honorary Slovaks has grown exponentially in the last week. We too in Thorold are growing in numbers to support the fight of a nation with the weight of the world on its shoulders. We will stand tall and proud waving our flags and cheering our boys on from Canada. They will hear our support and we will lift their spirits on to victory!

Happy Birthday Fabio Capello and Grandma Simpson.

Friday June 18, 2010 was the birthday of these 2 people, both of which desereved a better performance from their England national team, however I would have prefered my old English granny pick the starting lineup rather than Capello.

I took the day off work figuring we would celebrate England's victory all day and night, I was optimistic. In retrospect I was delusional. Instead of sleeping in on my day off I was up at the crack of dawn watching the Germany game, I should have known it would be an off day when they lost Serbia.

Nevertheless I figured it's a fluke result; similar to the Spain defeat by Switzerland. A lot of people lost a lot of money on these two games, and a select few hit the Jackpot.

A friend of mine and I were standing on King St. West going over today's "disaster" against Algeria when all of a sudden a gentleman, a stranger to us, sporting a Neil Young t-shirt walked out of the bar and, seeing another cluster of distraught England fans dissecting the match, walked over and struck up a conversation with us.

We're a special breed us England supporters -you could say we're the European equivalent of being a Maple Leafs fan.

We're stubborn in the face of adversity, stiff upper lip and all, a fraternity of cautiously optimistic football fans who revel in the game's highs and console one another when we're brought low. But through it all, we stick together - and that's part of what I love about following the Three Lions.

Some people are making fun of the overly optimistic prediction I had made for Brazil's first match last Tuesday. I feel that I need to address this issue and defend myself and my team.

As we have seen, the game ended with a meager 2 x 1 victory for us. I admit it, Brazil created few chances to score and overall it was a rather boring game. Nevertheless, I believe the whole world saw North Korea's objective: to secure a 0 x 0 draw.

Friday Afternoon and I can barely wait for Saturday. Like a kid at Christmas, here is hoping that tomorrow brings me everything I have wanted.

Denmark needs a big win against Cameroon, lots of goals, but more importantly we need to see our team playing the free flowing game that they are capable of. Coach Morten Olsen and his team(Olsen Banden) will need to be ready. Any player not giving his all need not apply.
Cameroon is in the same desperate situation so us fans will hopefully see a great game.
 

We have been witnessing celebrations all over the planet, either in our hometown Toronto, Canada, in the Italian Plaza in Santiago of Chile, or in the great beaches of Copacabana, Ipanema, Botafogo, in Rio de Janeiro.

When Robert Vittek scored for Slovakia in the 50th minute, the Sts. Cyril and Methodius Church Hall erupted with cheers and excitement. Hearing ? Nad Tatrou sa blýska?, the Slovak national anthem, was a surreal enough moment, so when Slovakia scored their 
first ever World Cup goal, it was a very special moment. The Slovensko chants continued on as the game came to a close. When the match hit the 90 minute mark, we all thought we had this win in the bag. It was in this moment that the Referee decided to add three minutes of 
stoppage time.

The irony of the moment is that now all teams in Group F have had a 1-1 all draw.  So, they are all equal on standings. Will we see the unlikely scenario that all teams will be tied at the end of the group stage? 

Will Article 39.5 of the official tournament rules need to be invoked? 

I strongly Believe that the final will be against an unexpected team, a team in the lower Rankings it could Happen

And if I am wrong there is always another World Cup coming up in 2014 to try out this theory .

Italy will develop into a stronger outfit, with players recovering from injury and others being played more and in different positions. We will wait in anticipation for the next match counting down the minutes. I for one maintain confidence in Marcello Lippi and see where he is trying to go with this squad.

Aww who am I kidding anyway, I'm Italian! Is there any other way!

Our chances for advancing are slim but they are still there. I am an optimist by nature and thus think that we can still make it to the next round. For this to happen, we need to be way more disciplined and energetic against South Korea. We will also need a lot of luck. Argentina must win and keep Greece of the score sheet and we have to beat South Korea by at least three goals without conceding any.

I look for Nigeria to play better and win the match against Greece but it will not be easy. The Greek team was embarrassed by their loss to South Korea and will come out on Thursday with more fire under their boots.

In the spirit of the World Cup tournament, I say good luck to both sides but I will toss a horse shoe and a couple of four leaf clovers on the Super Eagles side.

As natives and ex-pats of Africa's most populous country, there are plenty of us Super Eagles right here in Toronto, and around the world.  Get out there and make some noise! 

Who knows? Maybe they'll hear you down there in South Africa.

I've spoken with the Managers there and they tell me they had 800 people last weekend there at their club!! WOW...they have also sent me a World Cup menu...pretty traditional!

Well the first round of games has been exciting with some very low key teams trying, at least, to get that crucial first point and not give up a loss which would make it difficult to come back. England, my team, looked very good at times but sometimes, very average.

I had this sent to me today and it is a conversation between an American who knows nothing about soccer and someone who does (let's say for our purposes he is an Englishman). 

I found it very amussing from an English point of view because I feel it speaks honestly about USA soccer knowledge.

While everyone else around me, including other students from Korea, were cheering for Brazil, I was alone focused on the North Korean team's every move. 

It was a strangely isolating experience, a kind of loneliness in the moment that I find difficult to explain.  It made me feel a little cold inside for a moment to see that how indifferent South Korean people were toward North Korea, perhaps even more than I expected. 

Here's as quick a recap of the French World Cup so far as I see it: 

Team arrives in South Africa for the World Cup and mutiny rears its ugly head. A training session row between the coach and Florent Malouda leads to the French changing their system to a 4-4-2 at the last minute and sliding in Alou Diaby, a defensive midfielder, in Florent's stead.

WE'RE RED, WE'RE WHITE
WE'RE DANISH DYNAMITE
 
WE'RE RED, WE'RE WHITE
TOGETHER WE UNITE

Moments like this I almost wish I didnt watch futbol. I don't know what to do with myself...I just know I'm nauseous.

Sad day. 

¡Aupa España!

Worldcup is for me one of those moments every 4 years when I cry. For real. I can cry at any given moment. I really do. But there is a difference. You don't know when your girlfriend is gonna kick your ass, or when someone is gonna drive over your dog.

But you know that every 4 years, in some moment in June or July, Spain is gonna lose one match in ¼ final and you are going to cry. You know it, you accept it, and you kind of love it.

We sat with Canadians, Native Americans, Africans, Germans, Italians, even an Englishman made his way in to tip a pint and possibly check out the competition, maybe not, but the point is, we all have come together under one roof in the name of great food, great drink, and great sport.

Sitting in the first row of the second level in the brand new Moses Mabhida Stadium, I felt privileged to have witnessed the first meaningful game played on the grounds. It was a surreal feeling, to look around and think of how hard the Durban people have worked to prepare for that opening match. It really was a night I will never forget. The greatest thing about the stadium is the symbolism of the arch that towers over the stadium.

Brazil Must Win I took the day off just for this. I've been driving in Winnipeg today and No one seems to be on the street i felt like the only one out there today.

The vuvuzela are driving many fans (including myself) nuts. The clip of the little Italian fan wearing the large construction earplugs, and the ladies with earmuffs demonstrates how bad it must be there for fans and players.

I have a strong headache from it and I am thousands of miles away. Put down the vuvuzela; bring back the singing, chanting, the ooooes and ahhhhha's. Bring back the Atmosphere. Well, at least the earplug salesmen are making a killing.

I never wore my team's jersey because back then it was simply "a boy thing." But this is 2010! Instead of taking dancing classes for the lack of other option, like me, every year more little girls have been joining soccer groups in schools.

It took female professional soccer players 61 years more than the boys, but they also got their own FIFA World Cup in 1991.  Since then, regardless of gender, millions of viewers in the world are glued to their television sets every four years to see the beautiful game being played by the even more beautiful women.

The place was packed with Italian fans young and old. It was great to see kids who were about to witness their first World Cup games. I was that kid two decades ago and know that they're about to get their first taste of the Azzurri; it's an experience that will effect them for life.

As things stand, Serbia's in big trouble, but it's in a football fan's blood to hope for and believe in miracles. Needless to say, after today's match the White Eagles owe their fans nothing short of a miracle, and they're certainly due for one. On June 18th, it's go hard or go home!

 Ronaldo still number one. Cristiano Ronaldo was voted last year the second best player of the world. During 2009 the best player elected by FIFA was Messi from Argentina but...Ronaldo still is the best. Why?

Ghana is officially the first African team to win on African soil! Words cannot express the pride I have for my team!

I could not sleep well yesterday - I was dreaming about the game. Even eating a heavy Ghanaian meal (banku) was not enough to knock me to sleep. Oh boy! I started the day by watching the Algeria-Slovenia match and preparing my mind, body and soul for the match.

Sunday was a big day for Australian soccer.

The last time we played Germany in the World Cup reunification hadn't even happened. We lost 3-0 to West Germany and 2-0 to East Germany. This time, well 4-0 wasn't so bad. The problems were Cahill's red card and our obvious personnel issues.

*sigh* As a Ghanaian, I am extremely nervous about my team. First, the controversy with Michael Ballack and Kevin-Prince Boateng, and then our injury woes involving Essien and Badu. Our only defensive midfielder left is Anthony Annan.

I sat with my friends Jerry, Rich and Jeff and made my rounds visiting Oma, Opa and my Cousins Dieter, Natasha and Cody. Dad of course making sure everyone was comfortable and happy. It was amazing, such a lively, excited, passionate crowd.  Upon game time, I would estimate there were probably a good 200-250 people that showed up for this first round game ... and what a game it was!!

I started my FIFA World Cup 2010 adventure on Friday June 11th in
Downtown Toronto at the CBC Soccer Nation World Cup Kick Off event with
my son.  We were both dressed up in our Italia gear, participated in the
Many events and games, were interviewed, and photographed as well. 

Meet my dog Joey.

He's bright, affectionate, and  basically amazing. And everyone who meets him loves him.  Although this will just be Joey's first World Cup, I have been taking him for many tune-up walks to soccer fields around town and on these visits he's definitely shown me that he has excellent instincts for 'the beautiful game'.  He's normally a dog of few words, but his actions speak loudly. 

I knew before today's game even started that it would be a good one. The plan was to watch it at my boyfriend's house, where he and his parents (who are from Northern Ireland) would be cheering for England, and my family and I would be cheering for the good ol' US of A.

Beforehand I told my mom to be sure to deck herself out in red, white and blue, as we would be outnumbered - some of my boyfriend's friends and cousins would also be there to cheer for England.

The crowd at the Duke of Richmond was settling in, anticipating the start of the England v USA match. I was nervous and restless and couldn't sit at my table for more than two minutes.

The atmosphere in the GTA (Greater Toronto Area) has really been amplified, especially with the anticipation of the first Ghana match. Ghanaian flags have been popping up on flags, homes and even on body parts.

On Saturday June 19 the Danish Canadian Club in Calgary is showing Denmark vs Cameroon.

You can also bring your dad for a Fathers Day Brunch....yummy.

Peter Christensen the general manager will be happy to cook your dad an omelette to order. Partake in a great meal and then partake in the celebration in the TIVOLI Room.
If you live in Calgary, come on down!

Argentina is in the countdown to play the first game.

Argentineans feelings are really mixed up: on one side count on many of the best players in the World. On the other side qualification results have not been good. People are so sceptical about Maradona coaching.

As we get closer to the games that matter, one thing is for sure. Just when you think you have them where you want them, Italy will show you just how much they've grown. For some reason, they always show up when least expected. I truly believe that in the end, our quiet confidence will continue to grow and take us deep into this beautiful tournament.

I moved to Winnipeg recently and I dont know any Spaniards here...but not to worry I'm dragging my husband, all of my friends and my dogs to cheer for Spain at every game! Not that he has any choice.

 With only one day until Argentina's first game in the World Cup against Nigeria, many wonder what is coach Diego Maradona going to do. Particularly, who are going to be the starting 11 that will come out of his feeble mind.

Plans - Buy a bigger Spanish flag, buy my husband Dave a Spanish jersey!
He is cute, the other day he said "I think I'm gonna cheer for Spain with you this year", buddy..as if you ever had a choice!!!!

 Italy's first game will be on Monday 14 June at 1:30 PM and I have every intention of sporting my new Italian jersey - thanks Sal - while munching on some Italian eats and taking in the game, the crowd, and the good friends in both Africa and Italy that will share with us insight on the crowds' reactions from their corners of the world.

I will be in the city of Mississauga over the world cup and plan to watch all 64 games live!!! Unless I win the loto super max this Fri, then my son and my self and a few friends will be in South Africa. I am a huge Brazilian fan, I love the way they play soccer. Go BRAZIL Go.

I know that many Paraguayos might be content with just making it to the 'finals' in South Africa ... and why not? Paraguay is a small and relatively poor country and for it to make it to the 'finals' four times in a row is a huge achievement.

Well, it's not a joke. My last name is ACTUALLY Slovak, as in Slovakia.

As the great Ronaldo so eloquently put it, "I'm sure sex wouldn't be as rewarding as winning the World Cup. It's not that good, but the World Cup is every four years and sex is not." 

FACT:  Italians are capable of getting up, covertly walking through a very crowded room, making their way to the bar, ordering a beer, and paying for it without taking their eyes off the screen...ever!

Attending the games LIVE is a life long dream come true!!

Wilmar Kortleever is a freelance sports reporter and current president of Dutchtreat.ca (Dutch community organization).

As a Chinese Canadian, there are two teams that I would typically gravitate towards: Canada and China - two teams that don't fare well on the World Cup radar. So I divert to Italy.

I am the son of an immigrant family from Greece.  This opportunity caught my eye, as I am very passionate about this game.  I have played it for over 30 years and have followed the Canadian men's, women's teams and more recently the Greek national team.

The last time I cried was on Canada Day in 2006 when England fell to Portugal in the quarters.

It's a ritual/superstition of mine to wear the same shirt as the players do when they're on the pitch, I feel connected and I feel they have 100% of my support. 

I even named my dog after Wayne Rooney. So it's kind of funny when we are watching the game and the announcer shouts out "Rooney!"... My dog slowly leaves the room for he thinks he just got yelled at...

Growing up in Manchester (being Home to one the worlds largest football Clubs Manchester United) football culture has been ingrained into my life since birth some of my earliest memories are of traveling to Old Trafford and the training pitches for a sight of the world's football legends; Cantona, Beckham, Giggs, Scholes, Schmeichel and Neville etc

 Je suis William Cédric, et je suis ancien joueur de futbol

My name is Antonio Hernandez and I am from El Salvador and currently living in Toronto. I am a huge futbol fan, and it is my favourite sport. For me, futbol means so much, it's more than just a passion...