I am coming to you from a remote location today. I am at the Nebraska Summer Writer's Conference! Before the fun starts here I thought I'd check in with you all on another matter of importance and concern--the World Cup!
The World Cup 2010 Soccer (i.e. Futbol) Tournament started this weekend in South Africa. Since I will be away from the TV for the week I thought well we all don't need to miss it...here's what to set the DVR for:
U.S.A. team's Landon Donovan- He is America's best player and looks a lot like Brian Boitano.
*factoid to drop on your soccer friend. Landon left traditional h.s. at age 15 and went to a full-time soccer academy as part of US Soccer's push to develop world class talent. Now 28 this mid-fielder has run incalculable miles.
England's Fans
England has the "Premier League." The home of the best soccer in the world. However when it comes to the World Cup the England Fan will be easy to spot--faces painted in the St. George's Cross, wringing hands, and furrowed brow. They won their first and only World Cup in 1966. It is a great source of woe and national lament that they have not won one since.
*factoid to share with your soccer friend. the U.S. tied with England (1-1) on a ball that went through the goalie's legs this weekend.
the sound of a herd of flatulent elephants
The vuvuzela- a cheap plastic noisemaking trumpet is a favorite of South Africans. South African fans blow this fog horn like instrument throughout the entire match...so you will see what it sounds like when 94,000 drunken people try to moor a boat! The overwhelming drone has also been described as sounding like a swarm of wasps or a herd of flatulent elephants.
*factoid to share with your soccer friend...over beers: Did you know an elephant fart can last a good 5 seconds?
Diego Maradona on a winning streak?
The manager (aka coach) decides the final roster for each of the the 32 national teams competing in the World Cup. There have been many eye-popping omissions. Argentinian legend and current manager Diego Maradona explained his odd roster selections this way:
Maradona answered his critics after locking up a spot in the World Cup by telling media members to "suck it and keep on sucking it."
He has also promised to streak nude if Argentina wins the World Cup (...and we will all be watching for this!)
*factoid to share with your soccer friend: Diego Maradona is looking old and a bit pudgy. I don't know if the citizens of Buenos Aires are ready for a World Cup.
and finally,
players reactions to the new ball
Adidas has provided the official 2010 World Cup match ball--The Jabulani!!! It means to celebrate or be happy. Here’s U.S. backup goalkeeper Marcus Hahneman’s review of The Jabulani:
“It’s horse----. It’s the worst soccer ball I’ve ever played with. It’s plastic. It feels like s--- when it comes off your foot. It moves like crazy. It swerves. … You can’t tell what it’s going to do.”
*factoid to share with your soccer friend: Marcus Hahneman maybe shoulda stayed home.
okay, I'm glad I didn't stay home! Time to kick it with my writing class.
Happy Monday,
Amanda
3 comments:
I don't know the first thing about soccer/football. Okay, well, I do know it should be called football!
But I'm thrilled that you're at that writing conference--and envious! Have a marvelous time!
Apparently some of the players were saying that the ball is possessed.
Fan noise--I am voting for swarm of bees--to which I am highly allergic--so I prefer to watch the games on mute to avoid nightmares!
...although that streaking threat is a little scary too...
Thanks for the head's up--go Brazil!
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