Open Forum: Nationalism in the World Cup

by user Wtt02005

This is basically a discussion through comments so enjoy.

I find nationalism in the World Cup to be scary. Fans support their team with so much passion and emotion and as a result, get into fights with other fans all because they think their team is the best and everyone else's sucks. These fights make me feel that the world will never get along and be at peace because we will fight over the smallest things. I am just glad that people are not as passionate about going to war for their country as much as they are about cheering for their soccer team.

Because numerous world leaders attend the games, it scares me that there appears to be some kind of political gain for doing well in the World Cup. If Poland beats Germany, maybe the Germans will have to promise to never invade the Sudentenland again. Something like that. Soccer seems to be just highlighting differences than uniting us all through sport.

Your guys' thoughts?

Date

Sat 06/24/06, 9:23 pm EST

Wtt02005Varsity

1257 days ago

Score 1

You can pretty much say the same thing about the Olympics, but soccer fans are unlike any other type of fans in the world.

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Madproof9Red-Shirting

1257 days ago

Score 1

Ever been to an Oakland Raiders game???

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Alex HolowczakHall of Famer

1256 days ago

Score 1

Football riots are traditional, particularly in England, sadly. Obviously, this is not a good thing, but it does show compassion for their team (more accurately, it shows compassion for alcohol - behind most riots...) Nationalism is a huge factor in international sports. They aren't your team, they are representing your country. Success or failure reflects on the whole country, irrespective of whether you were playing or not. The rivalries like Germany-Poland, Germany-England, England-Argentina, Brazil-Italy, all add to the sense of occasion.

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JuTMSY4Legend

1255 days ago

Score 0

Alex, i know I can speak for professional sports here, but how much different are fans rooting for say an english football club vs the england national team. I mean, aren't ManU fans (for example) just as viciious, but against other clubs rather than other countries. We just see this more because the lines that divide are so much bigger...Born in england, go england, born in germany, go germany, etc...

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ChristofMVP

1256 days ago

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I rather see nationalism in international sporting events than on the battle field. Let the sporting events be the pressure release valve.

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Wtt02005Varsity

1256 days ago

Score 1

What happens at an Oakland Raiders game

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DNLLegend

1256 days ago

Score 0

I don't mind nationalism, but it definitely has an ugly side. Who was that soccer player who was murdered when he cost his team a goal? Some Brazilian or something?

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JemmaTee-Baller

1255 days ago

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It was a Colombian - Andreas Escobar - who scored an own goal that knocked them out of the World Cup, that was shot dead on his return. However, recent investigations by FIFA and the Colombian police have revealed that Escobar was in fact a major player in the Colombian underworld. Perhaps this is why he was shot?

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Anonymous Fanatic #1

1256 days ago

Score 0

I agree with Christof, while sometimes the fans get ugly, German fans doing Nazi Salutes in world cups of years past or numerous fights that occur, this is a much more fun and enjoyable way to be supportive of your country rather than fighting, maybe the US should put more money in soccer rather than war and try this out

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