World Cup Fever Is Upon Us
By Denise de la Cruz
Do you notice yourself religiously sitting in front of the TV and shouting at it for up to seven hours? Do you have the philanthropic desire to help referees with their calls (by shouting at the television set)? Do you have a constant craving for munchies and a raging thirst that can only be quenched by a cold beer? Do you suffer from a fanatical need to wear a flag and paint your face in team colours?
If you answered yes to at least one of the questions above, you may be experiencing World Cup fever.
Some experts believe that World Cup fever is also linked to memory loss, as very often, sufferers will watch several highlights of the games that they have already watched live — even if just minutes ago!
The most important competition in the world of football (also the world's most widely viewed television event) has already started and everyone is displaying symptoms of world cup fever.
No other sporting event captures the world's imagination like the FIFA World Cup. Since the competition in Uruguay in 1930, FIFA's flagship has constantly grown in popularity and prestige.
This year, thirty-two teams are competing in twelve towns and cities in the host nation of Germany for the coveted FIFA World Cup Trophy. Matches will be held over a four- week period from June 9 to July 9.
Some people carry a natural immunity for World Cup fever while others, it appears, are carriers of the bug.
In seventeen tournaments held since 1930, only seven nations have ever won the World Cup. Brazil is on top of the list, having won the tournament five times, followed by Germany and Italy with three wins each. Brazil remains the top contender this year; as of May 2006, they are on top of the rankings followed by Czech Republic and the Netherlands.
Choosing who to root for is a simple case of "inny minny miny mo" for some, including Translator Louis Labrecque.
Emile Kemayou, a Language Quality Control Officer, however, is basing his pick on performance. He predicts that the Czech Republic will take the trophy home this year. Although he has no personal favourite, he deems the Czechs as "the most impressive team" he has seen in acting so far.
The white board in front of another LQC Officer Anthony Michael's cubicle displays his obvious fondness for the sport by offering a quick lesson in World Cup 101 for the clueless passer-by:
"The World Cup has begun! Football (NOT soccer) is played on a pitch (NOT a field) by 2 sides (NOT teams)."
Anthony is also making his choice based on skill. His personal pick, Greece, did not qualify for the finals, "but at least they won the Euro!"
So with Greece out of the running, which team is to grab the FIFA World Cup trophy this year, Anthony?
"Brazil! Mainly because they have the most depth and talent. In a close game, they have several players that can make the difference. Most games have been close and the team doing a better and taking more risks will make it."
World Cup fever symptoms can last a whole month but may subside after only 10 to 14 days. However, the condition is chronic and is expected to return every four years.
Today, the FIFA World Cup holds the entire global public under its spell but its main focus remains the same: the glistening golden trophy which is the embodiment of every footballer's ambition.
Who are YOU cheering for? The country where you were born? Where your parents or grandparents were born? Where your neighbour grew up? The crowd favourites? The underdogs?
World Cup Fever is sweeping the glob and the only known remedy: MORE FOOTBALL!