Yes, this post is just slightly out of chronological order. I put off writing about the game so I could bask, simply bask in the golden glow of relief, pride and satisfaction. Yes, oh yes, indeed. I root for the Three Lions.
What about my home team, the USA? Well, I’m warming to them, now that they’re adding a little international flair to their game (I swear Landon’s weeks playing for Everton did the boy a world of good), and I certainly don’t wish them ill. On the other hand, I call Team USA “them,” not “us.” That sorta says it all.
Spain? I adore Spain. I want Spain to lift the Cup. Very handsome men playing very handsome football. If Spain plays USA, I’ll be rooting for Spain. If Spain plays England, I’ll be torn in two.
Truth be told, I’m kinda fickle. Depending on who’s playing and how well, my affections shift like the tides. Slovakia borders the Tatra Mountains, land of my paternal peeps. I was born Risa Skerpan. Pre-Ellis Island, it was more like Škerpan, Škrpan or Škyzpan. I see Škrtel on the back of a defender’s jersey, I figure I’m looking a home-boy, my blood. Damn straight I’m rooting for Slovakia.
My best friend Janet has Argentinian family. That plus Argentina’s sterling team are reason enough for me to cheer them on. I have a dear friend in the Netherlands, I love its politics, their game is bloody brilliant, plus Dirk Kuyt is one of my all-time fave footballers. I’m totally rooting for them. And for New Zealand (hi, Allyson & Fiona!). And for Switzerland (hi, everybody (too many to name)). I want a Korea and/or Japan to move on to keep that part of the world represented (though it would take a Mongolian team to win my whole-hearted, genetically-predetermined support). I love the Sockeroos, Mexico, Uruguay, Paraguay, I’m rooting for Chile, Denmark & Slovenia. I’m wishing Germany well, because my friend Declan drew Germany in the pool, and I’m hoping the Cup results will line his pockets. Cameroon, Nigeria, Cote d’Ivoire, South Africa, Algeria, you know I had my fingers crossed for you (except when you were playing my top faves (see above)). Ghana — I’m with you all the way! Greece, Serbia, I was thrilled you got in; wish you could’ve stayed longer. Honduras, it’s not over yet!
So. The four teams at the bottom of my love list — Brazil (you’ve got plenty of cups, and you were rude to Cote d’Ivoire), Italy & Portugal (they’re out to play the ref, instead of playing the game) and France (shouldn’t have been here in the first place). The team I love best? If Ireland were in the competition, they’d be my #1, naturally. Without the Boys in Green to knock them out of top spot, it’s the Three Lions I hold dearest. It’s the English game seduced me into watching football in the first place. It’s the EPL I follow. It’s England’s footy fortunes that make my day or break my heart.
Those first two games… arrgh. I posted on Facebook, telling Capello to call me. I was sure I could save their bacon. Luckily, Capello picked up at least a few of my tips telepathically. Gerrard wasn’t back in the center where he belongs, but he still had the Captain’s armband, as well he should. Dawson wasn’t in the centerback hole left by Ledley King and Jamie Carragher, but Upson inspired confidence — in me, at least. Best of all, Capello put Defoe up front with Rooney and didn’t put Heskey on the pitch until the end. I’d have kept him off entirely and put on Crouch instead, but there you go. No harm done.
I expect England’s squeak-by triumph and subsequent advancement to the knockout stage was due to these tactical changes, their vastly improved pace and their boldness on the pitch. They were pressing forward constantly, and did you see that salmon-like dive from John Terry in his attempt to head that low-struck ball away from the net? Courageous.
England’s success presents me a dilemma. I watched their 1st two, awful games from the comfort of the pub, while downing a couple of pints. I watched this much better last match from the comfort of my home and with a cuppa. So… do I dare risk the pub for the next one? Or am I relegated to the couch and tea, if I want England to win?
I know what you mean about the Toffees — but I can’t help but wonder if the USA/Everton association isn’t all the more attractive because Captain America played for Everton. Clearly, Donovan and Everton are sympatico. By association, then…
I didn’t see that piece you mention, but I did catch a single episode of a “Famous Rivalries” series on FSC. The rivalry under discussion that night was England/Germany. Pretty darn interesting, and lots of drama and baggage from the past — both on the pitch and off.
Well, fingers crossed. We’ll see what happens tomorrow.
Sorry, tried to indent!
Any who, the USA have the same attitude that Everton seem to have on the pitch: “Yes you have more talent, fame and fortune, which means you’d better look up and earn that paycheck cuz’ we’re here to jack your shit!” I wish they weren’t playing the only African team left in the cup.
I was already for England and they’ve really irked during the group stage, but I saw a sky news piece on the last few decades of English humiliation by the Sons of Herrman. What really was shocking was the German fans and players trash talking. So smug and smarmy. I know WWII been over a longtime but I’ve worked with and been taught by people with #’s tatooed on their arms and Germans just aren’t allowed to talk shit!
So, Remember Dunkirk and Coventry, or better yet, Remember Dresden and BOMB GERMANY!
Quite a tournament so far, and now we enter the round of 16, where single elimination will create a consistent level urgency lacking from some of the group matches. I’m looking at the next few days and seeing a few obvious favorites (Come on Tommy! Beat Jerry!)and a few games where I’m torn (I’ve been to Mexico, but I love that Argentinean side.)
Risa introduced me to the English Premier League and it’s been a real boon for me in knowing more of the players and their accomplishments. I also know a lot about how a game of well played football should look sound and feel and so I too say Yay USA, good on you!
They remind me of the English Pro club Everton