Red Fever

Wow, I can't even begin to tell you how out of it I have been for the last week. I have turned into a total zombie and this week offers no reprise. There have been three soccer games on every night, and they don't start until ten. On no less than five occasions (at least that many) in the last 8 days I've stayed up the entire evening watching the World Cup.

Here are some of my partners in crime. This has been alot of fun, as this group has gotten together most nights for the action. With all of the energy and excitement in this country, even the most disinterested of soccer fans have found themselves caught up in the wave. This atmosphere is a soccer fan's fondest dream, however we pay the heavy price of a total lack of sleep and vampire-like existence. It's only one month, though, and it only happens once every four years. As for where I am, this only happens once in a lifetime.


This is the spot where it all began, one week ago last Friday, and it's been a storm ever since. On this occasion we were enthralled with the brilliant opener between the Germans and Costa Rica. The match featured six goals, including the brilliant 30 yard strike from Torsten Frings to ice the victory. We knew from the very beginning this had the makings of something special. The next night we followed this great game up with a bored viewing of a stinker between England and Paraguay, followed by a scoreless tie between Sweden and Trinidad. At least the 4am game didn't disappoint--Argentina took care of a very game Ivory Coast side 2-1. Speaking of Argentina, I just have to say a resounding "WOW!" after watching their match against Serbia-Montenegro. Who's going to beat this team??

One great pleasure so far has been rooting for the home team. The Koreans are absolutely bonkers for their national team. We watched their first game against Togo at Mansuk Park, where there were tens of thousands of glowing red horns (the teams nickname is the red devils, which I believe spawned from a vacuum cleaner). This scene was unbelievable, and undoubtedly the coolest venue that I've ever witnessed for a televised soccer game. There were fireworks, chanting, and singing, and the entire crowd was totally into the game from opening kickoff on. When Korea scored to level the game at 1-1, the place went berserk, but in a family-like way rather than a riotesque manner. After they scored the go ahead goal, I found myself hugging and dancing with total Korean strangers. They were absolutely thrilled to see us whities cheering their side so fervently.

Two nights ago, we came back to this very spot to watch one of the great surprises of the cup thusfar, a 1-1 draw with France. This was a really lopsided game, and the stars aligned perfectly for the devils to sneak away with a point. From the onset, it looked to be a rout, with Thierry Henry scoring just a few minutes into the match. However, despite their domination in possession and visibly showing substantially superior skill and class, the French couldn't muster another goal, allowing Korea to hang around. And I digress for a moment. It is my belief that the French coach should have been fired after their first two games, but it won't happen. When I see a side with this much talent, and this little chemistry, I have to lay the blame on the manager. These guys don't seem like they're having any fun, and look very tight. However, despite their lackluster play, they will advance with a win over Togo--they may just be a sleeping giant. Back to the Korea game, when Park Ji-Sung (the greatest hero in all the land, even before the goal) equalized 80 minutes into the game, this country went nuts! I should mention that this game started at 4am, and the park was packed.

As for other impressions of the cup so far, I've really enjoyed watching the Australian side, who gave Brazil a good match. I'm anxiously awaiting their next match against Croatia--could be a showstopper. I'm happy that the U.S. got a fine result (1-1) against Italy, although their goal was weak. But hey, we've got a chance to advance... I just hope we have a strong showing against Ghana. Tonight I'm watching my favorites, the Germans take on Ecuador, who is a hot team right now. This will be a good measuring stick game for the German side. I think England and Brazil are very scary in that they have looked incohesive and sluggish in group play yet have won all their games and cruised to the second round. If these two teams gel (and Ronaldo gets his fat butt either in shape or on the bench), look out. While alot of people have hyped Spain, I just don't trust them. I think the team to beat right now is Argentina, who have looked superb in their first two matches. I can't wait to see them square off against a very good Dutch side, which comes on at 4am, of course. Happy viewing everyone!! This is going to be a great month!