Soccer SuperFans

By: Monica Slovak, Toronto

I needed to take 24 hours to get over my state of shock. 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. There were just SO MANY dramatic moments; the first Slovak goal, Strba returning onto the field after being sliced open by an Italian cleat, Vittek's second goal, Skrtel's heroic save on the Slovak goal line, both of Italy's off-side and late game goals, the winning Slovak goal and, of course, the final whistle.

Cherry Hill Bar EXPLODED at each of these turning points in the game. When the game finally came to a close, all Slovaks gathered there and everywhere else in the world broke out into cheers and song. Hugs and kisses flew all around as we all congratulated one another for such an incredible performance and truly doing the impossible.

I cannot even count the number of Italian friends I had giving me a hard time ever since we found out Slovakia would be facing Italy. Even though hardly anyone even thought we ever had a chance of winning, we Slovaks kept our faith. Not once did we give up on our team. We were very frustrated at times, yes, but the Slovak patriotism never died.

The celebration lasted the entire day, beginning with shots all around at the bar (in classic Slovak fashion). Just as we were driving away from the bar, people saw the Slovak flags on our car and waved or honked at us with smiles. We, of course, drove through the streets singing, cheering and honking our hearts out.

I spent the entire day with some Slovak friends draped in Slovak flags, shirts and scarves. We walked around on streets and in some malls. I have no idea how many people came up to us congratulating us, thanking us and honking at us as we walked through the main streets of Mississauga at rush hour. We even received a bottle of Ice Wine from a friendly, kind Slovak man we met at Square One who said that our spirit and love for Slovakia really touched him.

This will go down in Slovak history as one of the greatest sporting achievements of all time. Slovakia has proven that they earned and deserved their spot at the World Cup. Slovakia also proved that they are no pushover.

Next up: Netherlands. Here we come.

SLOVENSKO DO TO HO!