* cababarant *

Wednesday, June 14, 2006

World Cup ballyhoo

So, across the border from the Netherlands, where I live, there is some sort of soccer tournament going on, but it's probably a small thing, no big deal.

Just kidding. To many Americans, the World Cup is barely a blip on the sports radar, but to Europeans it is a way of life. To be honest, I just can't really get into it-- even though Holland is one of the best teams competing (and by the amount of orange wear I see around here, I'm not sure why they don't just pave the streets in orange, for God's sake). And the name given soccer, "the beautiful game"-- what's so beautiful about writhing around on the field trying to get a foul called? The US has already disappointed me by losing their first round to the Czech Republic (and dashing my secret hopes for a 180-to-1 odds victory), so I guess I'll continue watching by rooting for my adopted home team.

Our neighborhood here is surprisinly quiet about the whole thing, at least compared to our old neighborhood when the European Cup was taking place two years ago. Every time there was a Holland game on, we would know by the airhorn response exactly when they scored. Even though that block was about 10 minutes away from where we live now, I'm guessing the football hooligan ratio is much lower on our current block-- either that or the expat ratio (including us) is way too high for any excitement.

I'm sure I'll have far more impressions as the tournament continues. In the meantime, watch this popular Ronaldinho clip that will blow your cleats off. What can I say? The ads are great. Joga bonito!

Links
Ronaldinho: Brazilian Ping Pong
Nike Futbol: Joga TV

posted by sheryl | 5:15 PM |

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