Worldy World Cup Viewing

Location: Budapest/South Africa
June 12, 2010
Adventure #19

On the evening of the great athletic showdown where America took on the Redcoats, not only did tensions run high about which team is more deserving of a World Cup win, but equally controversial was the debate about whether we were watching a soccer game or a football match - thus deciding who speaks the more superior version of English. Clearly, the answer is America, so this blog will, in fact, be about soccer.

For the duration of the World Cup, the city of Budapest has set up a giant outdoor projection screen at Freedom Square (Szabadság tér), so anyone can watch the game for free. Thousands of people reclined on blankets and perched on picnic tables to watch last night's event. Initially, I thought there would be more British fans in attendance and my table of vocal USA supporters may have to face off against some football hooligans, but the crowd cheered even louder for the States' goal than for the Brit's early shot. Coming into the game, I knew little about the American team, but now I am a bona fide jersey chaser for Howard the keeper. It amazed me how he took a slide tackle to the chest and still managed to maintain his moxie and expertly protect our goal. Although the event ended it a draw, it was still a strong statement that, although we might be the worst regular international spectators of the sport, American can hold its own at footie.

As the sun set during the game, it struck me as how amazing my attendance at the event was. To rally the whole world around its most popular sport and unite so many disparate people is something magical, especially at our particular setting. Szabadság tér is flanked on one side by the colossal American embassy (which I've written about here) and hosts one of the only remaining Soviet monuments, erected in honor of the Communists after they freed the Magyars from Nazi clutches. The viewing screen was set up just in front of the statue, so the only portion we could see was the gilded Soviet star peeking out behind the screen like a Christmas tree topper. This screen cast a glow over the packed crowd on the ground that resembled a Muslim prayer site. But, at this event, the Dogma was purely athletic.

Next week we'll watch the next game, USA vs. Slovenia, in Croatia. Since Croatians have a virulent rivalry with Slovenia, I am certain all the local crowds will be on our side.