Soccer SuperFans

By: Markus  Stadelmann-Elder, Toronto

Two weeks from now, I'll be shutting down the computer and head out to ... well, maybe not to celebrate a victory (oh, I wish) but to watch my team. That's when Switzerland's 2010 tournament begins. Against Spain of all opponents, putting us against the best team in the world right now (with, as always, Brazil, of course). It's going to be tough. I will pray, chant, hope, pray (a lot...).

Until then, I will pretty much live soccer (online mostly), annoy my workmates with Swiss anecdotes (how we always almost, almost win), decorate my workspace with red and white, and soak in the atmosphere around Toronto (a wonderful place to be for the world cup). And I will cringe every time I read any predictions by soccer experts - because no one, ever, gives Switzerland any chance at all. No chance to even make it into the second round (or so they think). Well, this year will be different.

I've been following the last prep games (friendlies). Spain struggled against Saudi Arabia. Ah, this is an encouraging sign. Maybe they're a bit too confident. But, wait, this just in: Switzerland lost last night's game against Costa Rica. Okay, those games really don't mean much, after all (bad sign: Switzerland has lost all three friendlies since qualifying for the tournament, yikes).

Two weeks to go - time to check who's playing, who's injured. Not good, one of our best, Marco Streller, had to leave training camp in Crans-Montana and won't make it to South Africa. But Alex Frei seems to be okay - he who got injured during the first game at OUR Euro 2008, and all of Switzerland cried with him as he walked off the field.

I always hope, every time. And why not? Other "small" nations have gone far - Bulgaria in 1994, Croatia in 1998 and South Korea in 2002. And don't forget past Euro Cup winners Denmark and Greece. So, there's hope. But in two weeks, I will pray.

Hopp Schwiiz!