The Salem Witch
Having moved to the USA several years ago with her husband, a fluent Spanish speaker,
this ‘ex-
From the Rocky Shores of New England, the Salem Witch Reports:
Articles by The Salem Witch
USA vs UK Football Game
Yesterday afternoon, the old Warlock and I settled down in front of the telly in
great expectations and excitement, to view the Saturday match between our boys in
white, and the team from the USA, in South Africa. We teared up for the national
anthem, and noticed that half the boys in white didn't even try to mouth the words.
In contrast, the boys in blue had their hands on their hearts, and were seized with
facial tics of emotion. We were gratified to see the St. George flags in the audience,
and the fierce joy of being in the Coliseum to see the combat ahead. In a great mood
of English patriotism, we sat back to enjoy, having been informed that the English
"squad" (what happened to "team")was a very strong contender for ultimate victory.
Now, I have to explain something important here. In the USA, "soccer" is a namby
pamby game for mostly girls, and wimpy boys whose moms have despaired of getting
little Randy into any normal American sport, and who have embraced soccer as a harmless
bit of exercise. At least, he cannot get hurt, and all the other kids on the team
will be losers too. Every Saturday, if you are in any supermarket, you will encounter
these soccer moms with a few kids in tow, who are clacking around in their football
boots and cute little uniforms on their way to practice games at the local sports
park. But a decade or more ago, the World Cup came to the USA and in fact was held
around the Massachusetts area. This was going to be the final and complete acceptance
of the game over here! They would all finally at last get the picture of what a great
game it is, the skill, the heartstopping moments, the sheer world wide obsession
of it all. And, for a while, it indeed looked as if quite a lot of American adults
were taking an interest, and most areas and cities began to have real football teams,
like the New England Revolution, for example. David Beckham was even recruited in
Los Angeles, if you recall, to bring in some fire and talent. In spite of these advances
in interest and knowledge, though, the game remained a much ignored thing, from the
rest of the world, which America really didn't bother about.
Which brings me to my
point. How could England do so badly against the USA team? When the first goal was
scored, after four minutes, I think we all erupted in joy and delirium, Yes!! we
could show those Yanks a thing or two, and just wait for the rest of the game, we
would be whopping the ball into that net time and time again. Dream on. What I saw
was a very average game, not a lot better than a Local Friendly anywhere back home
between the Gas Works Boys and the Pickle Factory Eleven. We won't mention the poor
goalie, Green, who let the less than dynamically travelling ball pass through his
fingers. We can only feel sorry for the poor chap. What I found so disheartening,
after all the hooha, was the lack of obvious team work, and the lack of anything
to shout about. A lot of the time, the ball was passed back to the goalie to kick
back into the field, just for one example of the boredom. I thought England was supposed
to be a possible champion team. And when I think of the money these men receive,
and the WAGS' taste in mansions and yachts, I feel a bit put out.
We can only hope
that England gets going from now on, and roars its way ahead to good effect. I personally
feel no loyalty to them after Saturday's match, and feel far more attracted to Mexico,
whose players are much better looking too.
Meanwhile, the USA is pleased to have
drawn against what is supposed to be a seriously good team. There were many venues
and bars in Boston which featured the event, and had the fans in full throttle. They
are not any good at football hooligansim over here, though, and everyone went home
in good order, not a single smashed window in town.
The World Cup is a very enjoyable
event for expats, especially. One feels a sense of shared activity, as we all tune
in from all our outposts of the globe. A warm feeling of community sets in. And it
would be so nice if Our Boys actually get their momentum going.
