You’re probably not getting this at home unless you have ESPN-4, but 94% of the planet is now in the throes of World Cup fever, including all 107 million Mexicans. International soccer was once summed up on The Simpsons as a quest to determine “who is greatest country in the world….Portugal, or Mexico?!” Right now, the Missus is squealing with delight because England is up 1-0 over Paraguay. Paraguay! She’s not even embarrassed by this. Tomorrow, Mexico plays Iran (The Wetbacks vs the Terrorists - it's a right-winger's wet dream!). Neither the US nor Iran are expected to make it past the first round, so anyone looking for a US-Iran match-up will have to wait until Karl Rove says it’s okay – probably a few weeks before the midterm elections.
Weirdly, considering its popularity here, the Mexicans don’t even have a word for soccer. Instead, they call it “futbol,” after the American game, even though the two sports are really nothing alike.
Saturday, June 10, 2006
At the Copa
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2 comments:
I was a new reader until I came across this old post. Now I am an ex-reader.
You worked for 60 Minutes. This should indicate that your are adequately literate,reasonably intelligent and have some awareness of the world outside of the USA. "futbol after the American game"? What about the rest of the English speaking world that calls soccer "football" Could that be the reason "futbol"is used in Mexico.
Between journalist and talking head you appear to be just another lowest common denominator talking head.
We'll miss you. But for the record, it's a joke.
Also, "talking head" is a tv term. A writer can't be a talking head. Though maybe you were joking, too.
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