By Mike King
One of the best things about the World Cup is being able to poke fun at foreign colleagues and generally have laugh at their expense, or at least at the expense of their underperforming football teams. Being English, of course, we are well used to being on the receiving end of such stick and I find it strangely enjoyable when our colleagues in other countries have a go at us too.
Actually, it is quite bizarre how something like the World Cup can bring colleagues together through the banter and insults that result from such petty national rivalries.
The French tell us that even if they are eliminated from the competition (in the first round again with a bit of luck), they will never, ever support the English. Apparently, it is in their genes and something that they are incapable of ever doing.
The Germans mock that after 40 years we still haven’t learnt that we will never again beat them in the World Cup (and the one time we did it wasn’t really a goal, so we didn’t win properly anyway).
The Americans, of course, are for the most part oblivious to the fact that the biggest sporting event in the world, ever, is even taking place. And when you do explain it to them they fail to understand the concept of a ‘World’ competition that has teams from different countries. Or how a game called football actually involves the players using their feet to kick the ball.
My problem this time around is that I’ve mistakenly booked a business trip to the states on 8th July. Yes, if it isn’t bad enough that I’m leaving the country the day before the World Cup final, I’m going to be in the one country on earth where there isn't any interest in the competition. Not only will there be no banter, I’ll probably have a job to find somewhere where I can watch England’s finest sporting moment.
What a shame to program a trip during the footbal world cup. I can't believe it. Particularly if England is in the final.
Poor Mike, it would be a miracle if you could find a pub or a bar which broadcasts soccer.
Good luck!
Posted by: Audrey | 19 June 2006 at 13:01