I am living in the midst of a nightmare. I find myself in Central London, having left an English Pub, crowded with very excited English people. Why should that be nightmarish? Because England (or ‘Ingerland’ as they are known by some of their less articulate supporters) have just beaten Denmark 3:0 in the World Cup second round. I would like to share in the general mood of rejoicing – but find it impossible. I have tried but I was so keen on Denmark winning that I bought a pint of Carlsberg and a Danish – just to show my solidarity with Olsen et al. And, no, as far as I know, I do not have any Danish blood in me left over from some ancient Viking raid. The simple fact is that I can identify totally with the general feeling amongst Scottish football fans – that we support two teams – Scotland and anyone who is playing England. I know…I know…it does sound somewhat petty, childish and immature but all will be justified shortly.
Meanwhile to the World Cup itself. It has been fantastic. Great goals, underdogs winning, superb football, enthusiastic crowds and a very open competition. There is something about the World Cup that really gets people involved. Every morning for the past couple of weeks I have had breakfast watching a game and usually managed to do the same with lunch. The fact that Scotland are not involved has turned out to be something of a bonus – not least because it takes away a lot of the angst and enables one to appreciate the football as a sport rather than as a test of ones nationalism or ethnicity. Even my wife had shown some interest. I was astounded to hear her during the Italy/Croatia game shouting at the TV ‘Go on – pass that ball into the middle – where are you?’. The surprising thing was not that Annabel was supporting Croatia but that she was interested at all. It’s a bit like Ian Paisley deciding to take Mass or yours truly willingly and joyfully going to a shopping mall!
This World Cup has been full of surprises. The world champions, France, losing to Senegal and then going out of the competition – beaten by Denmark. Argentina going out to Sweden and England. South Korea and Japan astounding everyone by topping their groups and qualifying for the next round. Even more amazing was the elimination of the European Brazil, Portugal (superbly talented but not always performing to their best) by the US. Now South Korea have knocked out Italy (thanks to a fanatical crowd, a Dutch coach and a very generous ref!). And the US have beaten their nearest rivals, Mexico, to set up a mouth watering quarter final against Germany.
Could any of my American readers explain a great mystery? Why when the vast majority of the rest of the world would love to be in your position, does the USA seem to be so ambivalent about the World Cup? Is it because, as one American commentator put it, Americans are only interested in a sport that they dominate? Is it because the American TV networks won’t pick up on it because 45 minutes without adverts would be blasphemous? Is it because the only true ‘world’ series must involve only two countries – the US and Canada? Soccer is the most played and popular sport in the US. Your women’s team are the world champions. Support your team – even if they lose to the ever impressive Germans.
Back to England. People argue that I should support them. ‘The Scotsman accuses me of racism if I do not – Andrew Wilson of the SNP urges us to support our nearest neighbour – my English friends do not understand why I will be cheering on Brazil this Friday. So let me try and explain the unexplainable.
It has nothing to do with being anti-English. That would be a bit stupid. Not least because I was born in England and my father is English. Nor does it have anything to do with a Scottish inferiority complex. I accept that England have a far better football team than Scotland. That does not make me feel inadequate or even jealous. Indeed I would be happy for England to win the World Cup – if only for the sake of the vast majority of English football fans who are decent and enthusiastic supporters.
But any fleeting thoughts of supporting England during this World Cup were dismissed within minutes of the first game – France v. Senegal. It took 70 seconds for the English commentators to mention 1966 (the year England won the tournament). Since then we have had a barrage of references to 1966, racial stereotypes (diving ‘Argies’; methodical Germans; plucky Irish;), all against the background of the arrogant assumption that every player in the world wants to play in the English Premier League and everyone should be judged by that standard.
Another reason for not supporting England is that I like football and in this tournament I am not too bothered about nationalities. Which is why I love the zeal of the South Koreans, the brilliance of the Brazilians and the skill of the Spanish. If England play good football against Brazil and manage to beat them then I will happily applaud them. But for the moment they have done little except defend well against Argentina and take advantage of a truly dreadful Danish defence. England have been lucky (here’s a question for the Message board - can a Calvinist believe in ‘luck’? – Yes as a secondary cause – discuss!).
But most of all I do not want England to win because it will mean the trivialisation of the ‘British’ media for the next ten years. Everything will be measured by Japan 2002. Every newspaper will refer to it for years. The fact that David Beckham’s foot can occupy more column inches and front pages than the continuing bloodshed in the Middle East, or the threat of nuclear war between India and Pakistan, is deeply disturbing. And its not harmless fun. When sport reaches this stage it has become an idol, a surrogate god – providing meaning and emotional fulfilment for millions of people searching for these things. Most frightening of all is the fact that many of us as Christians get caught up in this idolatry and allow it to dominate our thoughts and divert us away from Christ and his concerns. The real nightmare is not ‘Ingerland’ winning the World Cup. The real nightmare is people living and dying without Christ and without hope. I don’t really think that Jesus is too concerned whether England do or do not win the World Cup. I do think he cares that there is a lost world, filled with injustice and with people who are desperately seeking something. Do I share that concern?
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