World Cup

I am less interested in soccer than I am in baseball, but more interested in soccer than in basketball, hockey, and of course football. If football is a 0 and baseball is a 5, soccer is maybe a 3.5. That is, I like the sport and understand it (for the most part), but like most Americans my age, it wouldn't dawn on me to watch a soccer game from one day to the next. However, I am easily caught up in World Cup excitement every four years, mostly because Andy has always been a very enthusiastic World Cup fan. I remember first watching it with him back in 1990, when I didn't even know what it was. And now that Pete is a soccer player, he's becoming a fan too (and Julie to a lesser extent).

So I can't say I've been actively watching, but the last few weeks chez nous have been governed somewhat by the World Cup schedule. I wander by the TV and take note of what's going on, and I like to know which teams are up or down. I tend to root for teams depending on whether I like what little I know about their country. Thus, Italy = good (pasta and red wine), Germany = bad (Holocaust), Brazil = good (love my Brazilian cleaning lady), France = bad (rude and snobby), etc. And then Andy tells me things that enhance my opinions, like the Netherlands team plays dirty and the Spain team is all about finesse. I don't always know what he means, but I cheer anyhow. So, yay Spain! Octopus all around!

(If you're about to leave a nasty comment about my ethnic stereotyping, you can stop right there. First, say "Humor" to yourself, then laugh nervously for a minute, then press "Delete." Thank you.)

Comments

[Katy]

Forget the soccer, I'm actually interested in knowing more about your cleaning lady!! :) Does she work outside of Newton?

[Rachel K]

LOL. Nasty comment? Are you kidding me? That's exactly how I choose a team to root for! LOL. Agree with Italy (love red wine), Germany (holocaust) and of course Brazil, because I, too, LOVE my cleaning lady! Boy, are we ignorant or what? Apologies to whomever I have offended. As Karen said, "humor!"

[Rachel K]

Oh, and I rooted for Spain too because I took 7 years of Spanish in school and loved it! :)

[Lona Froshaug]

My son Dylan assigned everyone teams before the World Cup began. Guess what my team was? Spain!

[Rachel]

That's exactly how I pick who to root for too! Love Brazil - my brother in law studied there and I too love my Brazilian cleaning lady. Actually Love any South American team - my husband is from Venezuela. Love Spain - have relatives living there. Love Italy - the best food in the world. Love Ghana - who doesn't?

[Steve]

I root for the teams with the cutest players.

[Jonathan]

My wife rooted for Spain over the Netherlands due to the way Holland handled the Natalee Holloway case! I said any reason is a good reason :)