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DEL.ICIO.USForget the New World Order
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Have some Latin American housemates and you’re bound to get the fútbol bug. This is what really turned Off the Ball on to the beautiful game, and it’s been exactly 20 years ago that her formative experience was burnished in the climactic match of the World Cup in 1986.
So OTB is in a mucho sentimental mood as Germany and Argentina are set to kick off quarterfinal play on Friday, a rematch of that final in Mexico City. Given that OTB’s bloodlines run Teutonic, she was the only person in the household pulling for Der Mannschaft, which was a bit barren that year as the brilliant Jürgen Klinsmann was a Cup away from having his impact, much like he is now in directing the side in a rather un-German way.
Those with whom she domiciled during this time were from the decidedly non-footy nations of Venezuela and Guatemala, as well as Chile, which had a pedigree years ago but has been a minor player of late. No matter, as they all shouted “Argentina! Argentina!” while the brilliant Diego Maradona hoisted the Jules Rimet Trophy.
And you think cheating and shabby refereeing are all the rage now in ‘06? Don’t forget, ‘86 was the Cup of Maradona’s infamous ‘Hand of God” goal against England, as well as a second strike against Old Blighty that ranks among the best in the game’s history. Instead of expressing guilt and remorse for his (mis)deed, Maradona further enraptured his part of the world by triumphantly giving his clearly illegal score an unforgettable moniker.
This was a very instructive lesson to OTB about the bonds of language and culture, and the pride of a region oft-colonialized but with its own distinctive manner of besting the Old World at its own game.
More than anything, however, this matchup is a harbinger of today’s World Cup talking point: The old powers are back!
Yes, the establishment footy media have been yapping for four years that the ‘02 Cup was a fluke, with South Korea and Turkey reaching the semis, and USA! USA! getting to the quarters, good heavens. The Argies and French went home early, and irate Italians protested their premature ouster by naming a row of flush toilets in Sicily after the referee who dared to let somebody else win.
Now in ‘06, the ship has been righted, as only newcomer Ukraine joins the fray with seven of the more venerable sides on the planet, and obviously this is cause for celebration. We are told that 10 of England’s starting XI are healthy, as it was not last time, given an extra week before the start of the Cup. Yes, this is essentially the lineup that was expected. Some say that’s exactly the problem with England.
It also helps to have this in Europe, where most of these players are based, rather than schlep halfway across the world. Last time, there were so many whiny babies complaining about having to travel so far. Let’s see, OTB’s flight to Tokyo was 15 hours, and then another two or so to Seoul, with a few hours of layover time in between. Not exactly like boarding Hooters Air to Myrtle Beach.
Here’s your daily Beckham-coming-to-the-States-someday fix. OTB can just hear his opening statement at the press conference now: ‘I’ve always wanted to a New York Red Bull, and Posh is fine with it too.’ On the other hand, some think The Bend It Boy is all washed up, but they must not be watching the World Cup. He’s the main reason a crap-looking side have gotten this far.
And his nation’s continued existence in the tournament undoubtedly is a boon to Germany, which supposedly is being drunk dry of beer by the Inger-landers.
Germany drunk dry of beer? Italy running out of pasta — and dive-bomber strikers?
Never!
Prosit! And enjoy the quarterfinals!
Comments
Commenting is now closed for this entry.
By Michael CM1
June 30, 2006 12:33 AM | Link to this
Folks who think Becks is washed up obviously didn’t see Mike Remlinger or Brian Jordan play this year.
I wonder how long it will take RBNY to throw $10 mil/year to Becks. Even as a DC United fan I would love to see him join the team. Take a look at how good a strong Yankees team is for MLB. Get 30,000 people in that stadium!
By the way, that’s the short version of the Becks story. I’m hoping someone has the longer one online tomorrow. It was a good showing of three quotes making a 20-inch story. They need to just give the bloke a crown and make him a Prince.
By Henry
June 30, 2006 8:06 AM | Link to this
Well that is is last of my bellyaching comments. There are only two people that can actually cover a soccer gameproperly. All the other ones seemed to be coaching and telling coaches, teams and players what to do. They, the teams, are sure listening to them. On the commentator stance at the halftime and posttime commentary, only Judy Fowley (hope I spelled her name right) acctually knew what she was talking about. A tru proffessional, just like she is as a player. Here, I said it.
Can’t wait for the next round doosies.
Germany vs Argentina, should be a great game, hope the reffs don’t blow it.
Italy vs Ukraine, if you like defence and bunkering this game’s for you.
England vs Portugal, to many missing stars (thank to the referees and FIFA), so it will be so so but entertaining
Brasil vs France, I wonder how Brasil is going to beet France with their lackdasical performance. I hope France will give them some pressure so the Brasiliens have to show how they can play. They are comming together as a team, much to slow so, lets hope they will be forced not to play that way. But I have little expectation with France being their opponent. I always stated soccer is 50% tallent and Brasil have it all and 50% luck and Brasil has it all from the draw thru the games. The hardest part of this world cup season was for them to qualify.
By fanaticodelfútbol
June 30, 2006 9:45 AM | Link to this
“working” from home today so I can watch the games. This Germany vs Argentina game should be a classic. I’m hoping Messi gets more time, every time he touches the pitch something exciting happens. Watching him at Barcelona I became an instant fan. He draws a tremendous amount of attention when he comes in the game.
Brasil vs France should be a good one. Zidane, although retired and obviously past his prime, is still amazing enough of a player to change the game. Ronaldinho has just been going with the flow, I have no doubt that we’re in the thick of the World Cup we’ll see the best of him.
If Deco and others were in the game I’d be excited for the Portugal v England game but they will greatly miss him. No interest in the Italy vs Ukraine game but I’ll watch casually.
Here’s hoping for an Argentina vs Brasil final!