Footballzilla

A friend of mine once said that he found football (soccer) stupid.

“I just don’t get it,” he said, while holding a basketball. “Running after a ball. It seems stupid.”

Hah. He’s the one to talk. He and his stupid basketball.

It took all the will power in the world not to throttle him and make him eat his stupid ball. My hissy fit lasted for about an hour. After the bloodshed (due to paper cuts - it’s the only way I know how to inflict physical pain without the guilt), death threats and serious threats of severing our friendship permanently, he finally agreed that football was indeed a spectacular sport.

He had to say it anyway.

With the 2006 FIFA World Cup in full swing, he no longer dares to even breathe his dislike towards the game, since I’d be on a war path. Don’t get me even started if somebody would insult my team – I turn into Footballzilla.

Aside from that horrendous incident, I’ve been in football heaven. I watched the opening ceremony of the 2006 FIFA World Cup at a hotel with two of my friends. For once in my life, I’ve overlooked my stingy attitude and set foot in a posh hotel just to watch TV. Normally, I’d have a heart attack with what I’ve spent there, but this was for the greater good of football – so it was all just well worth it.

It’s wonderful to see Germany again, never mind the fact that I’m seeing it through a huge, flat screen TV. Rabid German football fans, with face paint and booze is such a spectacular sight, I wished I could be there. Not to mention the fact, I got an eyeful of nice, tight lederhosen – ah sweet nostalgia. Tears welled up in my eyes.

The opening game was a treat. Germany beat Costa Rica 4:2. Now that was a good opening match. It was a good thing that Germany did win, or else I would have wasted all my money for nothing.

With more matches on the way, I advise football first timers to watch the matches at sport bars or at some random pub. Nothing screams “I’m a fan” than being with other fans and screaming yourself silly. Never mind the booze – mind the loser who booed your favorite team. He’s gonna get it.

Go Germany, go!