Copa del Mundo!

Vamos, vamos Argentina,
vamos, vamos a ganar,
que esta barra quilombera,
no te deja, no te deja de alentar

The World Cup has begun!

This morning, there was no chance of sleeping in. The TV in the next room blared sports commentary, while my host brother yelled right along. Shouts and cheers from the street streamed through my window. The ceiling vibrated from fans stomping around upstairs. Argentina had its second game in the World Cup this morning, with a 4-1 victory against Nigeria. Indeed, it was a good day to be an Argentinian.

Enthusiasm and national pride are at all all time high. It's totally insane. Messi jerseys are the outfit of choice. Blue and white stripes could be seen poking out of girls' uniform blouses. Some men even had Argentina jerseys on with their business suit, and dogs sported them as well. Scarves, hats, flags, created a sea of sky blue and white throughout the city. There are even flags in the churches, (although futbol might be considered more of a religion). Every television has the games on - people crowd around electronic stores, and go to bars regardless of wherever else they should be.

Although I am no sports aficionado, being here to experience the World Cup is so cool! At heart, I also want to root for the US and Spain, but if I waved any other bandera, I think it might be used to strangle me.

Argentines took this morning's victory to the streets in celebration. Downtown, fans were gathered to hoot and holler, and a blow up head of one of the players, Maradona, was in the city center.


Vamos Vamos Argentina! Next game: Tuesday!
Tomorrow the US plays!