As you all know, the World Cup is being played in Africa for the first time in history, and rightly so, in South Africa, given their recent history. Now, I am not won to dwell too much on the past and I certainly don’t believe that modern-day Holland is connected to apartheid however, one cannot avoid considering the history between the mainly Dutch-Afrikaner rule in South Africa and their role in slavery and apartheid in that country. Yes, of course, this is sports and the Dutch in Holland (and elsewhere) are as nice as anybody else nonetheless, the history of what their ancestors did to the black people of South Africa….I mean, I just can’t seem to be happy about their soccer victories. It’d be like supporting the Germans in the World Cup on Israel soil 20 years after the Holocaust. You know what I mean? And even though one of Holland’s players is on the Italian team I support (Wesley Sneijder), I can’t help but have mixed feelings about all of those ‘orange supporters’ roaring their happiness through the streets of South Africa. Many South Africans have gone beyond the past, however for many, the wounds are still fresh. On a brighter side, this could help create a more positive and stronger bond between the two countries, which would only enhance South Africa’s economy. In any case….
…tonight, it’s Spain against Germany. I am supporting Spain; my husband is Spanish and I worked in Madrid for four wonderful years. ¡Vamos a por ellos! However, should the final be Germany – Holland, the young, multi-racial, and exciting German team gets my total support. It is what it is.
In the begining of tournament, every body appriciate the south america style of playing soccer.
But in the end, the old europe has demonstrated the way to play.
In the 2006, there were 4 teams in the semi-final. Now 3.
Holland is a very funny country, where culture are mixed since long time, and people have a grat open mind.
Spain is the team of the moment. They won Europe cup two years ago.
Germany is the usual concrete group, with an increased fantasy.
This evening i support Spain.
For the final, i don’t know.
Ciao Angelo, l’ironia di Olanda è per la storia di apartheid in South Africa. I razzisti erano quasi tutti d’origine olandese. Grazie per il commento.
……seguivo proprio ieri su Sky mondiali anche questo aspetto, sono d’accordo quando si sostiene che il popolo olandese è da sempre il più libero d’Europa, ma è anche vero che in Sud Africa hanno dominato fino a 20anni fa e ancora adesso detengono il potere economico (gli Afrikaner).
un’altra notizia di Sky diceva che i tifosi neri sosterranno l’Olanda in finale.
su questo sinceramente meditavo.
ciao
Ugly match but it’s normal when two strong teams meet eachothers.A remarkable year for you(inter) and your husband ( Spain). I wonder if Spain is supported but all the ethnic groups such as Catalans
I was skeptical about this world championship in South Africa but I have to admit it has been well organized .
It’s incredible, now,thinking about only few years ago there were a Country where human beings had different rights according to the colour of their skin. Probably, now, it’s still the same but at least is not codified as a law.
Tomorrow the octopus Paul, will indicate the winner of the world cup 2010…
http://www.ansa.it/web/notizie/mondialisudafrica/newsmondiali/2010/07/08/visualizza_new.html_1851169615.html
I hope Paul chooses Spain!
pare che i tedeschi se lo vogliano mangiare il povero polpo Paul!
Guess you’ll have to rethink the game…Spain won
. I was not supporting Spain, at the beginning. Then of course, Italy did such a bad job…that now….I kind of want Spain to win. The downside??? Even in Barcelona, a Catalan city, it’ll be like new years if Spain wins the world cup. Soccer is soccer….no politics, just sports…. 
While watching Spain vs. Germany, I felt both teams played an even first half trying to find a weakness. In the 2nd half Spain really developed a great rhythm with the ball. It was very hard for Germany to score when they didn’t have the ball. Puyol really attacked the ball like a cobra on his goal. It is great to see Spain in the final for the first time. Spain just has too much depth. Good luck to the Dutch!!!
Wow I have read your article and by the way I found you website on Google and I think after I read somepost on you website especially this one I have my own opinion about what should I comment on the next meeting with my boy friend, maybe tonight I will tell my familyabout this one and get debate.
dopo un po’ di tempo ti scrivo in questo spazio, uscendo dal tema del tuo post, per girarti questa notizia: http://www.ilfattoquotidiano.it/2010/08/13/razzismo-nella-citta-di-obama-casa-in-vendita-ma-non-alle-famiglie-afro/50247/
ho visto che alle eolie ti sei divertita.
sorrisi,
angel
finiremo per parlare italiano qua
ok fra poco inizia l’autunno e ci divertiremo con il “nostro inglese” a seguirti…
il tempo è poco ma ce la faremo..
bye
speak Italian here?
Ok soon begins to fall and have fun writing here with “our English”
time is short but you will follow
the time is short mi mankava kissà cosa ho scritto hu signur…