South Africa
Kiwi-Slovak Hypnagogia
Preambling, the ESPN commentator tells us that this match promises “plenty of charm,” which sounds like the guidebook account of an alpine hamlet time has forgotten, or else one of those real estate euphemisms, like “cozy” or “many period details.” We learn that that today’s referee is an English teacher in a high school near Capetown. We kick off. READ MORE >>
The Healer
The Healer
The Italian Job
I still remember the moment I found the religion of Italian football—like all religions a story of obsession, agony, and deceit. It was the 67th minute of the first round match between Italy and Argentina, held at the River Plate stadium in Buenos Aires on June 10, 1978. READ MORE >>
Live From Rustenburg: Savoring English Decline
RUSTENBURG, South Africa -- “Well done,” the middle-aged England fan said to me outside Royal Bafokeng Stadium last night after his country’s 1-1 draw against the United States. The civility was less rare than you might imagine. Sure, there was the drunken Brit in the eternal shuttle-bus queue in the red-clay parking lot shouting -- and if you read my first post, you know it brought a smile to my face -- “You’re shit and you know you are!” at a harmless group of flag-clad Americans. READ MORE >>
Mexican Destiny And That Lame Ball
Am I disappointed? Well, yes. Whenever a team owns the ball for 70% of a match, one is bound to feel frustrated if said match ends in a draw. But I’m used to this. A friend just shared with me what seems like the perfect epitaph for Mexico’s first outing in South Africa: “If football were a game with no results needed, Mexico would be a real contender.” It’s true: We’ve always been masters at possession: the lateral pass is a country specialty and we can cover the ball just like the best of them. READ MORE >>
Best of the Web, PM Edition
Mike Tomasky doesn't like soccer And Jon Chait is filled with even more rage Zonal Marking's summaries of South Africa-Mexico and Uruguay-France READ MORE >>
Make Me Talk About Fútbol
I’m finding that I’m reticent to talk about soccer. For one thing, I don’t know much about the game. I have never followed a league championship and, despite being from a soccer-loving country (Colombia), I have never rooted for any local team. After having followed religiously seven World Cups, my ignorance has never subsided and my interest has not increased. With few exceptions, I don’t even remember who won when. I ignore soccer history and my memory seems to be refractory to it. Should I confess, then, that I don’t really care about soccer? READ MORE >>
Notes on Mexico v South Africa
South Africa, I think, has actual reason for elation about the result. The Carlos Alberto Parriera system worked. His defense is barely good enough (and counterattacking capabilities sufficient) to keep them in any match in their opening group. South Africa will be more than content to retain their viability and hope that some gust of luck and homerism carries them through. Mexico, on the other hand, somewhat disappointed me. As a Barca fan, I’m pleased that Rafa Marquez scored his gimme goal. But you can see why Barca doesn’t use him regularly anymore. READ MORE >>
