World Cup 2014 is well underway, and as I am (fortunately?) unemployed I have entered into the experience with the masses. To be honest, fútbol is the only sport that I really enjoy watching, much to the chagrin of the males in my family. They gnash their teeth and ask why on earth I would want to watch a game where NOTHING happens for ninety minutes and then suddenly, in overtime, three goals are scored leading to a 2-1 victory (Germany v Algeria). I calmly point out that A LOT is happening--the players are constantly racing up and down the field (unlike baseball), there are no certainties regarding possession or breaks (unlike American football), and the action is as unrelenting as the athleticism (unlike golf).
However, I know that I am merely an amateur fan. I adopted fútbol as my sport in large part because it is de facto the most international sport and I am, if anything, a lover of internationality. Furthermore, having traveled as extensively as I have and being able to name friends from all over the globe, it is easy for me to pick a side in a world competition. Holding an American passport makes this all the more important as the USA never fails to underwhelm in their performance. So I chose countries such as Germany because I've visited multiple places and have several friends there, or Spain where I spent a year.
In spite of nonchalantly picking teams at rates that would mortify an English fan, I must admit that the actions of both fans and players on the USA team this year have given me hope. Maybe, just maybe, I will someday achieve legitimacy and be able to hold my head up high before friends whose teams never fail to get to the quarterfinals. After all, I can't completely renounce my heritage that believes, nay hopes always that the underdog has a chance. If fútbol offers anything that appeals to Americans, it is the dream of Cinderellas everywhere, the belief that with determination and a streak of luck, we can change our stars. And that aspect is something the English fans who scorn our lack of long-suffering endurance will never understand.
However, I know that I am merely an amateur fan. I adopted fútbol as my sport in large part because it is de facto the most international sport and I am, if anything, a lover of internationality. Furthermore, having traveled as extensively as I have and being able to name friends from all over the globe, it is easy for me to pick a side in a world competition. Holding an American passport makes this all the more important as the USA never fails to underwhelm in their performance. So I chose countries such as Germany because I've visited multiple places and have several friends there, or Spain where I spent a year.
In spite of nonchalantly picking teams at rates that would mortify an English fan, I must admit that the actions of both fans and players on the USA team this year have given me hope. Maybe, just maybe, I will someday achieve legitimacy and be able to hold my head up high before friends whose teams never fail to get to the quarterfinals. After all, I can't completely renounce my heritage that believes, nay hopes always that the underdog has a chance. If fútbol offers anything that appeals to Americans, it is the dream of Cinderellas everywhere, the belief that with determination and a streak of luck, we can change our stars. And that aspect is something the English fans who scorn our lack of long-suffering endurance will never understand.
