Futbol

Futbol, what Americans call Soccer is a way of life here. It defines your schedule, your mood, who you can be friend with and when, your wardrobe, and what your home TV and cable is. I would say it goes far beyond American Football in fan loyalty, mainly its because its really the only sport countries in South America care about. In the states some people prefer baseball or basketball, but here- EVERYONE cares about futbol. Not to mention these countries also have a single national team that the entire country can ralley around as they often play other countries through-out the world. Team pride combined with patriotism and alcohol is an exciting mix.

Today was a futbol day, multiple world wide matches were lined up and I was pumped. It all started at about 2:30 with the Women’s WORLD CUP where USA was playing Japan. I had my snacks ready here at the hostal, the couch all set up, TV on the right channel, remote in hand, and me and couple other gringos were ready to cheer. Well it was right about 2 min into the game when a couple of the Brazilian guys here at the hostal walked up and without saying anything began changing the channel looking for the Brazil V. Paraguay match. I told them I was watching the world cup game and they (mind you this whole conversation is in broken English/Spanish/Portuguese) responded that the Brazil game was about to start. I told them that was only a qualifying game for the South American Cup while this was the WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP. They responded that it didn’t count because it was a women’s game. I was rather upset, but 10 other Brazilians walked up ready to watch there game so that was where the argument ended. I wouldn’t have minded that much if they had just asked, I mean I was interested in that game as well…but instead I ended up only watching part of the game and then was invited to go PLAY some futbol. So I grabbed my new cleats and jumped on the Metro with Andrew. We headed out to the far east of the city, closer to the mountains than we had yet been. When we got off the metro we had the most incredible view of the Andes Mountains. It was a crystal clear day and it was the first time we could see all the way to the top. They were by far the largest mountains I have ever seen. Even Andrew, who is form Denver, was in awe at the magnitude of the mountains. And we got to play futbol right there in the mountain’s shadows. It was incredible. One of the start-up chile guys had reserved a field and we had a great social game of futbol with people from all over the world, way cool.

After our game it was about time to get ready for the real match of the day- Chile V. Venezuela simi-finals for the South American Cup. We were to meet up with a bunch of Couch Surfers at an Irish Pub. Every bar/restaurant during Chile futbol away games are PACKED. Everyone flocks to get out and watch the game with all the other fans- through out the entire country. Its crazy. We crammed about 15 foreigners and about 6 Chileans into a small booth and had a grand time cheering on Chile. The place was so loud with cheers and signs and insults at every part of the game. When Chile scored with only 30 min left in the game you should have heard that place explode in cheers and songs. It was so great, until Venezuela scored again near the end of the game to win it. Suddenly everything got quite. People switch from drinking beer to drinking straight liquor. As we walked home we saw so many riot police just hanging out on the street, they have to be ready during every game just in case.

Tonight at the hostal, same story. Liquor and people kinda somber, no one is going out tonight. Tonight is morning night. I was warned to expect sour moods from everyone in the city for at least a week until the South American Cup is over.