Jaunted - Tag: World Cup

U.S. Earns 2010 World Cup Berth. Games Now 37% More Interesting

Victor Ozols — 2009-10-11T11:53:54-05:00

I'm an enthusiastic supporter of the U.S. World Cup soccer team because: A. It's my country after all, my homies; and B. It's always fun to root for the underdog. The U.S. dominates in so many sports, but in world soccer it has almost no impact at all. That gives the current squad - which qualified for a 2010 World Cup berth on Saturday - an aura of rebellion, like they've got the potential to upset the natural order of things. I like that.

Goal!: Obama to Attend 2010 World Cup in South Africa

BS — 2009-06-24T10:17:30-05:00

President Obama may have a lot left to accomplish on his inaugural year agenda, but that doesn't mean he can't start planning his 2010 vacations.

According to soccer's governing body, the hopeful one has accepted an invitation to attend the FIFA World Cup in South Africa next June, the first major sporting event to take place in Africa. But where will Obama stop when he's in SA? It's still a year away, but that doesn't mean we can't start guessing:

No Swaziland Sex Side Trips in 2010

amandak — 2009-01-20T11:50:51-05:00

Thinking of taking a side trip into Swaziland when you head to South Africa for the 2010 FIFA World Cup? Don't expect any lovin': Prostitution is illegal in Swaziland and the police are already making it clear that World Cup or not, exceptions will not be made.

In fact, we can't put it any better than local organizing group spokesperson Bongani Dlamini did:

When a tourist who needs the services of a sex worker arrives and finds that prostitution is prohibited, we will advise him accordingly that he has to propose for love to a Swazi girl first and then consent for sex.

Quite why the Swazi police are worrying about this eighteenth months in advance of the tournament is a mystery but at least that gives prospective punters time to learn to say "I love you" in Swati, the local language. It's a mouthful, so start practicing: "Ngiyakutsandza".

Related Stories:
· Love, Not Sex, For World Cup Visitors [SMH]
· World Cup Travel Guide [Jaunted]

[Photo: DanieVDM]

Best World Cup song of 2006

artextor — 2006-07-12T09:44:57-05:00

It's time to identify the best World Cup song of 2006. As far as we're concerned, one tune leads the pack: "Wij houden van Oranje 2006" by Ali B ft. André Hazes.

A good World Cup song needs the following: [1] a reduction of patriotism to something effortless and participatory; [2] simple lyrics that assure a maudlin celebratory response; [3] a performer who appeals to a wide demographic; and [4] a simple melody, ideally somewhat folky, that invites a karaoke impulse.

"Wij houden van Oranje" contains all of these ingredients. The title translates as "We love Orange." It refers to the color associated with the Dutch royal family and, by proxy, the nation. The original version of the song was a hit for André Hazes, a Dutch singer (now deceased) in 1988. You want maudlin? The melody of "Wij houden van Oranje" is taken from "Auld Lang Syne." Close your eyes and feel the drunken tears welling up.

Ali B, a Dutch artist of Moroccan extraction, rhymes a spirited, namechecking rap of nationalist ferocity (replete with a shouted "motherf*cker" toward the song's end) over Hazes' sentimental tune.

Small Talk Awkward Again for Germany

amandak — 2006-07-10T10:05:02-05:00

The mood is particularly strange in Germany this morning. Giant screens in public viewing areas are being dismantled, flags are strewn on the side of the road instead of on cars, and nobody knows what to talk about.

On Saturday, the more dedicated half of German fans flocked to Stuttgart to support the Nationalmannschaft in their who-really-cares play-off for third place against Portugal. Feverish French and Italian supporters mixed up in this crowd experienced things very differently: all of a sudden, the Germans love the French, and throw insults at pizza deliverers.

After Sunday's long grand final and a win to Italy in the penalty shoot-out, pizzerias and gelati cafés celebrated long into the night, while the locals, still with a bitter taste after a semi-final loss to Italy, tried to ignore the honking and began to catch up after four weeks with little sleep. Germans are renowned for their inability to make small talk, but they actually had something to talk about this past month, and now it's all over. No matter how the radio and TV presenters put it, the 698 days until the European Championship is still a long time.

Related stories:
Germany's Hangover [Spiegel]
Flags, Flags, Flags [Jaunted]

World Cup: You Gotta Be in it to Win it

amandak — 2006-07-07T10:20:02-05:00

Is a pop song forecasting a World Cup win for Germany in 2006 still a viable marketing idea after the team loses? Sure, if you're flexible enough to adapt the song quickly. Munich band Sportfreunde Stiller have been getting plenty of airtime since they released their song '54, '74, '90, 2006 back in May, celebrating Germany's three previous World Cup victories and adding on another from the current tournament.

But--oops--Germany didn't get past Italy in the semi-final on Tuesday, making this song instantly out-of-date. No problem. A new single was ready: '54, '74, '90, 2010, with the lyrics adjusted to include Germany being a guest at South Africa's 2010 World Cup and trying for the title again on the Cape of Good Hope. It hit the radio within hours of the loss, and has been on high rotation ever since. There's nothing like finding success in failure.

Win All in the Math [Sydney Morning Herald]
German Flag Waving [Jaunted]

New York: World Cup NYC: Where to Watch the Final

AVB — 2006-07-07T07:15:01-05:00

It's about that time, kids; the World Cup Breakfast Beer Express is pulling into the station. The third place game, between Germany and Portugal, is tomorrow, and the Final this Sunday between France and Italy. Really, we love both cuisines equally, making it impossible to pick a favorite.

Nonetheless, for that very reason--culinary popularity--you've got plenty of viewing options in the city, though you might want to think twice about hitting up the Olive Garden--it won't have very many fans there, and you'll fill up on the unlimited salad and breadsticks. Also, at all of these locations, reservations and calling ahead is highly recommended. To wit:

Italy

La Casalinga: A tiny restaurant on 1st Avenue and 7th, it's filled with spectators during recent games. The TV is right in the dining area and angled directly to face the all seats in the restaurant, making La Casalinga the closest approximation of watching the game in someone's kitchen.

Le Streghe: This swank West Broadway restaurant is where we watched Italy in the first round, and it was full at 10am on a weekday, so expect utter insanity this time around. They have a special menu during the game, and most of the tables are oriented to see the game on the projection screen in the back of the restaurant.

L'Angolo: This café is where NYT columnist George Vescey is purported to watch matches. It would be more exciting if he didn't write about the misbegotten American team so much, but with light sandwiches and salads, it may be more suited for an afternoon game, anyway Plus, if Italy loses, you won't be saddled with too big a bill.

France:

Opia: One of GQ's top ten soccer bars in the U.S. (a rather dubious distinction, like "least deformed"), this tony midtown eatery has a big screen set-up for watching the game. There's also a cozy den area, but given how hot it was at other World Cup watching venues, you may want to bring a sweat towel if that's where you're headed. Opia is owned by retired French soccer star Youri Djorkaeff, although we hear he's in Germany at present. Bonus: It's possible to reserve online.

Bar Tabac: A French staple on Smith Street in Brooklyn, you can bet on this brasserie being packed with true bleu fans. The all-French wine list and French bar snacks will help ease the tension during the match, and they'll be open at 10am on Sunday, so you can ensure you'll be "ready" for the start of the match.

As for English fans, you'll find them anywhere alcoholic beverages are sold.

Related Stories:
· World Cup Coverage [Jaunted]
· Germany World Cup [Official Site]