Are you cheering for Portugal on Facebook?

It occurred to me that 2010 will be the first World Cup where social networking sites will significantly influence how people support and cheer for their teams. 

Think about it: the average computer user was blissfully ignorant of sites like Myspace or Friendster, until Facebook went mainstream around 2007.  And Twitter?  Twitter hit the scene in 2006 and I'm pretty sure that (with the notable exception of Ashton Kutcher) the vast majority of us resisted tweeting until the past year or so. Personally, I'm still holding out on that one.

So, out of curiousity, I logged into my Facebook account and did a quick search using the phrase "World Cup Portugal" which returned 66 pages. 

Here are some of the ones that grabbed my attention:

Queremos a Seleccao com bigode na Africa do Sul    You may have heard of this one:  54,000 fans and counting are trying to convince Portugal's team to grow moustaches for the World Cup.  Sadly, Paulo Ferreira has already gone on record as saying it's not going to happen because he does not want to be made fun of.

READY FOR 2010 WORLD CUP!! FORCA PORTUGAL!!   This is actually a really handy group page; they owners have posted the match schedule, multiple video clips and have some discussions going.  If you are a fan of "one stop shopping" this is the page for you.

im supporting portugal and ronaldo in the world cup!    The page description says it all - "i hate football but am willing to support portugal as ronaldo plays for them and is fit as..."  Yes, this one's for the ladies, and anyone in general who appreciates Cristiano Ronaldo's fine work in the Armani campaign.

All the good players portugal has had but have not won a world cup   Based on the name, I thought this one would be a fun trivia page but it turns out it's just a grammatically questionable expression of a few fans' frustration.

What are your thoughts?  Are you cheering for Portugal on Facebook?  Would you rather tweet your love for the team?

Note on yesterday's post:  the link to the Nike "Write the Future" video was not working so if you'd still like to check it out, click here.

About Tara Howe

Anyone can make a splash!

Only a week away from the World Cup to begin. 12 days for Honduras’ long-awaited debut (well by Hondurans) ... against Chile. As the final days before the 2010 FIFA World Cup begins, Honduras still appears to have plenty of work left to do as they were held to a goalless draw by a weak Azerbaijan team in Austria.

Honduras is still listed at 1000-1, but they can take heart that Trinidad was 1001-1 in 2006 and Trinidad still made a splash.

Note faces of concern among the Swedes ... it should be the same on the 16th with the Chileans :)

About Rishi Sankar

'Awe-struck' - Drogba Out!

The Elephants struck a major blow

About Khalid Magram

On-field dream battles...

In my last post, I touched upon slogans, and how they beautify the beautiful game.

As the clock is ticking (6 days to go) to the start of the much anticipated greatest sporting event in the world - The FIFA World Cup 2010 in South Africa. Let us look into Traditional Rivalries in Football.

In every major world competition there is a rivalry. But none close to the greatest rivalries of 'em all. The Football Rivalries.

Rivalries that really get the adrenaline pumping. The ones that even a neutral soccer fans will tune in and enjoy.

That seriously taken rivalries that, after the Honduran flag and national anthem were insulted a four-day war was fought by El Salvador and Honduras in 1969. It was in the North American second round qualification game for the 1970 FIFA World Cup.

Not surprisingly, the most heated rivalries are usually based on geography. Brazil and Argentina are neighbors in South America, U.S.A. and Mexico in North America, and England and Scotland in Western Europe. Germany has a bunch of enemies on the pitch, given it borders so many nations. The Super Eagle has a long-standing rivalry with Cameroon – ‘The Great African Rivalry.’

Here are some of the rivalries that can make any soccer fan livid if he/she missed watching the game. It would be fun to see some of these games materialize during this year’s World Cup also dubbed The Mandela's WORLD Cup.

SO Which is the best rivalry that gets your blood boil?

10. Cameroon - Nigeria (The great AFRICAN RIVALRY)
9. Peru - Chile (South American RIVALRY)
8. Mexico - USA (The Nafta rivalry spilled into soccer grounds not a soccer pitch!)
7. Ghana - Ivory Coast (The two African soccer giants are rivals in both soccer and COCOA)
6. France-Italy (Most recent rivalry - thanks to Zidanes's head "Butt")
5. Uruguay-Argentina (the oldest)
4. Germany-Argentina (most at stake)
3. England-Argentina (most controversial - Today, Argentinians who refuse to join their fellow fans in jumping up and down during games are insulted as "Englishman.")
2. Germany-England (most hyped)
1. Argentina-Brazil (purest rivalry)

About Khalid Magram

Chile: What Condorito is probably thinking

Condorito is the most traditional representative of Chilean culture. This half human-half condor character has gone beyond the borders of his country and today is a symbol of all Latin America with his characteristics of modesty, simplicity, effort and the ability to succeed in any activity.

However, Condorito, as a good Latin American, is also a football passionate. A proof of this was his detention during the Sub20 World Cup developed in Canada in 2007. After a terrible refereeing by Wolfgang Stark, Condorito couldn't control his frustration, and he jumped into the field of play to complain directly to the referee. Conclusion: Condorito was detained and Chile lost against Argentina, obtaining later the third position.

When the World Cup is almost ready to start, Condorito is probably remembering that moment in his Torontonian house. Or maybe, he is thinking of another refereeing. That one in France '98 when Chile was winning against Italy, and Lucien Bouchardeau gave an unfair penalty for a completely accidental handball by a Chilean defence. Or perhaps, Condorito is relating to his friends that historic penalty lost by "Carlitos" Cazzely in Spain '82.

Ok, to be honest, during these days, his most probable preoccupation should be the "Chupete" Suazo injury. The Chile striker won't be able to play the first two games, against Honduras and Suiza. Too many worries.

But our friend Condorito could be also thinking of giving a surprise. After last February's 8.8-magnitude earthquake, a good World Cup for Chile will be a good news. And, don't forget that the best Chilean position in a World Cup was the third position obtained in 1962. It was exactly after the strongest earthquake in the world history (9.5, in Chillán). So, Condorito, don't panic; Chile can cause an upset.

About Fernando Gonzalez Martinez

Brazilian magic

Everybody might remember the 2006 Brazilian team. They were the favourites to win that World Cup, probably the most talented Brazilian team since 1982. It seems that they were more worried about partying than actually playing. The result: they were knocked out in the quarter finals by Thierry Henry (France 1 x 0)

However, there is a video which you can see what those guys were able to do. Click here and enjoy some Brazilian magic.

About Paulo Porto

'Super Eagles, Super fan, United we stand,' what's your team's slogan?

                                                        

Well it's getting exciting isn’t it?

Some of the 32 country flags are up and flying on car windows and on balconies. Have yours up yet?

City of Toronto has already approved extending booze serving hours. Teams are starting to arrive at the battlefield and are greeted with cheering football-mad Africans. No one wants to be left out from the acts of fun and amusement around the World Cup. One of many off-the-field antics that makes football, the beautiful game are the slogans that have been chosen to represent countries' history, ambitions and goals for the World Cup.

Super Eagles, Super fan, United we stand is Nigeria's Super slogan at the FIFA World cup  2010. And the  Super fans in South Africa have already heeded the call of the catchword. The Super Eagles got a rousing welcome from cheering, flag-carrying fans after touching down at the Old King Chaka International Airport, Durban, South Africa Wednesday.

The Super Eagle slogan is actually a heads up, a warning to the other 31 participants that Nigeria has had enough!. Beware! Nigerian African base fans cheering them will act as the 12th man on the pitch. That should be enough to get the Super Eagles into the knock-out stage. Here are the other 31 slogans, which by the way are posted on the buses that teams will travel on to and from the stadiums:

Algeria
نجمة وهلال من أجل هدف واحد: النصر
(Star and crescent with one goal: Victory!)

Argentina
Última parada, la gloria
(Last stop: Glory)

Australia
Dare to Dream, Advance Australia

Brazil
Lotado! O Brasil inteiro está aqui dentro!
(The whole of Brazil is in here!)

Cameroon
Les lions indomptables sont de retour
(The Indomitable Lions are back)

Chile
Roja la sangre de mi corazón, Chile campeón
(Red is the blood of my heart, Chile will be Champion)

Côte d'Ivoire
Eléphants, battons nous pour la victoire!
(Elephants, let's fight for victory!)

Denmark
Det eneste der kræves, er et dansk hold og en drøm
(All you need is a Danish team and a dream)

England
Playing with Pride and Glory

France
Tous ensemble vers un nouveau rêve bleu
(All together for a new dream in blue)

Germany
Auf dem Weg zum Cup!
(On the road to get the Cup!)

Ghana
The hope of Africa

Greece
Η Ελλάδα είναι παντού! 
(Greece is everywhere!)

Honduras
Un país, una pasión, ¡5 estrellas en el corazón!
(One Country, One passion, 5 Stars in the heart)

Italy
Il nostro Azzurro nel cielo d'Africa
(Italian Azzurro on African sky)

Japan
侍魂はくじけ ない！日本勝利！
(The Samurai spirit never dies! Victory for Japan!)

Korea DPR
또다시 1966년처럼, 조선아 이겨라 !
(1966 again! Victory for DPR of Korea!)

Korea Republic
승리의 함성, 하나된 한국
(The Shouts of Reds, United Republic of Korea)

Mexico
¡Es tiempo de un nuevo campeón!
(It is time for a new champion!)

Netherlands
Let niet op de grote 5, maar pas op voor de oranje 11
(Don't fear the big five, fear the Orange eleven)

New Zealand
Kickin’ it Kiwi style

Nigeria
Super Eagles super fan united we stand

Paraguay
El león Guaraní ruge en Sudáfrica
(The Guarani lion roars in South Africa!)

Portugal
Um sonho, uma ambição…Portugal campeão!
(One dream, one purpose… Portugal victorious!)

Serbia
Igramo srcem, vodimo osmehom!
(Play with the heart, lead with a smile!)

Slovakia
Rozbehnime to: Slovensko do toho!
(Shake the green field: Go Slovakia!)

Slovenia
Z enajstimi pogumnimi srci do konca
(With eleven brave hearts to the end)

South Africa
One nation, proudly united under one rainbow

Spain
Ilusión es mi camino, Victoria mi destino
(Hope is my road, victory my destiny)

Switzerland
Hopp Schwiiz! - "Hop Suisse!" - "Forza Svizzera!" - "C'mon Switzerland!"

Uruguay
El sol brilla sobre nosotros. ¡Vamos Uruguay!
(The sun shines upon us. Go Uruguay!)

USA
Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Victory!

The Green Eagles Fact sheet of the day: Maradona says he does not want Messi only on the right wing but given the liberty to roam. He says he would be starting with 4 central defenders (minded) players and reduce influence of wing backs except needed, that is giving us victory on a platter. "You cannot afford to play the Eagles without natural wingbacks," Maradona says.

About Khalid Magram

Slovenia? Stranger things have happened

Cheers mates,

The final countdown, one week left. Planes are touching down in South Africa and teams with freshly pressed suits are stepping out into the African sun ... well most of them. Slovenia still has one last warm up on home soil.

Can the tiny country take home the prize? Not likely but stranger things have happened. Coach Kek only promises a beautiful style of play. No rough behaviour, just beautiful moves on the pitch. I myself am looking forward to that.

As a woman, watching footy can be quite delightful and quite easy on the eyes. There's plenty too ogle, but don't get me wrong...I know the good players, and I know the good teams.

Being in the World Cup is a prize in itself, for the tiny (2 million pop.) Alpine nation of Slovenia, but they didn't get there by chance either. It's going to be a pleasure watching them take on Algeria June 13th, then the Americans on the 18th. I have a feeling we are in for a treat.

Mixed feelings about the match against England on the 18th, but my senses will surely be most delighted. Rovert Koren, captain of the Slovenia team facing arm-banded John Terry..oh nice. No but I forgot, that would be Ferdinand with the arm band. Hmm..less delightful for my eyes but still a treat I am anxious to enjoy.

About Jane Jamnik

Do the Catrachos have a chance??

Honduras is listed a 1000/1 to win the World Cup. Who cares? The World Cup is about the fun, spectacle and the showcase of culture to the world. By the end of the first round, everyone will know about the beer  and burritas and Copán.(I'm sure who ever is commentating will mention Copan) Think about when Trinidad drew with Sweden (0-0) in 2006, everyone knew that Trinidad wouldn't go down quietly. The World Cup is about the upset and the Disney stories about the underdog!

Now today, shock and awe has reached the Chileans, since ‘El Chupete Suazo’ Chile’s top forward has been said to be almost and surely not in optimum conditions to face Honduras on their debut match. Chile is mourning this news and Honduran chances to advance to next round seem bigger and bigger. I can see those odds going down ... at least for a "Catrachos" upset of Chile!

Costa Rica has played a friendly match against Switzerland, another team of the H group and to everyone’s surprise, Switzerland has lost. This is seen in the country as another favourable factor that could contribute to our players seeming a bit more secure against more mature teams.

Both Chile and Switzerland are decent football teams, but not in the elite status like the Spaniards, hence Honduras, while being the underdog, could possibly have a chance. It is expected for Spain to come out in first place; but is it really impossible for Honduras to advance? Some would agree, but a whole country is hoping for it not to be the case.

Now the mission is to find the centre of Honduran support in Toronto as well as some Honduran beer ... as for a Honduran beer primer, here is a primer from Hispanic.com

• Barena- Think Honduran Corona. It's in a clear, transparent bottle with a light flavour and very easy to drink.
• Port Royal- Think Honduran Michelob. The namesake comes from Roatan. It's a cold filtered beer, and the one most people are familiar with since it's the one that's exported. This is considered the Honduran quality beer
• Salva Vida- Think Honduran Budweiser. It's a very light tasting beer. Personally, I find it has very little flavor, but then I don't think Budweiser has any flavor either. This is probably the most popular Honduran beer.
• Imperial- Think Honduran Heineken. This is a pilsner style beer with a little more intense flavour. This classic formula has been brewed since 1930, and is sometimes considered Tegucigalpa beer. While all the beers are brewed in San Pedro Sula, Imperial is more widely distributed in the capital.

Now put on your blue and white ... and be different ... everyone will be wearing their Canary Yellow Seleção or Three Lions jerseys, who can lay claim to rocking out the Catrachos jersey!

Also, if there are places in Toronto to share in the Honduran World Cup experience, please send me your suggestions!

About Rishi Sankar

When Homer met Ronaldo

Curious?  

Over 12 million people have already watched this spectacular video (produced for Nike) which features superstars like Didier Drogba, Wayne Rooney and Fabio Cannavaro.  However, only one powerhouse player makes the trip to a little town called Springfield - Cristiano Ronaldo.

You won't see Ronaldo right away because like all good things in life, this video saves the best for last.  So sit back, relax - wait for it - and enjoy!

In the days leading up to Portugal's first match, against Cote d'Ivoire, I'll be posting all sorts of fun tidbits like this, plus the crucial information like where to watch the games, and tips on flag and jersey buying. 

Once the tournament starts, I'll be out there on the streets and in the bars cheering along with you because this blog is for the FANS. 

That's right folks, I'm not messing around - I'm even using vacation time from my job to make sure you are properly represented and your voices ring loud and proud across the blogoverse. 

So, please voice your comments here on thestar.com; or, if you see me in person, feel free to say hi and let me know what you think. 

And, finally, if a strange woman approaches you asking to come along on a glorious, flag waving, car ride with you and your friends after Portugal's first victory, it's probably me.  I don't have a car.

Let's do this!

About Tara Howe

About Tara Howe