Category Archives: World Cup

The Alan Thicke Historical Legacy Society Asks You to Not Make Fun of Manager W

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Sometimes, first impressions deceive. Sometimes, you only need a single game to show your talents. Sometimes, the host with the most is the least to boast. Just as Alan Thicke pulled himself up by his bootstraps – coming from middle of nowhere Western Ontario and making a splash on American TVs in Growing Pains – Manager W has risen himself to unexpected preeminence.

However, just like with Alan Thicke, jealousy, suspicion, and incredulity cloud the public’s image of Manager W. So, we humbly ask you, please leave him alone. Continue reading “The Alan Thicke Historical Legacy Society Asks You to Not Make Fun of Manager W” »

OWN GOALS – the not even a little racist "Raza" edition

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I know that this is your favorite soccer site named “Futfanatico”, but what I am about to say may blow your mind: this is not the exclusive place where you can read my writing. In the past few weeks, I’ve penned some footy prose at some other great sites and for a Liverpool-based magazine. The topic? Latin America.

Here are the links. Continue reading “OWN GOALS – the not even a little racist "Raza" edition” »

Casillas, Iniesta, & A Transcendental Materialist Theory of Subjectivity

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So, you’ve probably seen the Iniesta-Casillas commercial. The two of them pretend to be fans of random strangers and ask for autographs and photographs. On a basic level, it’s a tongue & cheek look at the roles we as fans play as compared to players. In following the academic trend of “gutchecks,” the immediate emotional response is a wry smile and perhaps a laugh. It’s nice to see these Spanish footballers off the pedestal. However, I’m not about to let this work of art escape the rigorous academic critique it deserves.

As a starting point, please have a copy of Zizek’s “The Sublime Object of  Ideology” handy. Why? Well, only Hegel and psychoanalysis can shed light on the deeper meanings and reaches of this “advertisement.” This film, ahem, actually reveals a fissure point that divides the idealistic concept of the “All” from the materialist notion of the “apparent All.” We derive pleasure from seeing it, but ultimately it revolves around the Freudian death drive’s attempt to grasp the totality of reality. Here’s how. Continue reading “Casillas, Iniesta, & A Transcendental Materialist Theory of Subjectivity” »

Explaining Why Messi & Argentina May Never Win Again

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Messi has won every possible tournament at his club, FC Barcelona. Argentina regularly produces world class soccer players that excel in Europe. Argentina has also won two World Cups. So, the question arises: why hasn’t the pulga lifted any trophies with the albiceleste?

Theories abound. Some claim that Messi relies on the midfield brilliance of Barcelona players Xavi and Iniesta. Others point to generational talent gaps in his national team. A decade ago, Argentina rode a wave of creative midfielders with Veron, Riquelme, and Aimar. Now, however, they feast on forwards like Tevez, Aguero, and Higuain. This lack of balance complicates team formations, especially since Ever Banega plays enganche about as well as he sets his parking brake. Some point to the long shadow of Diego Maradona. The pulga cannot escape the legacy of the pibe diez, they speculate.

All these theories are quaint. They are also wrong. Why? Because they are myopic. The soccer universe has constructed an elaborate lexicon and discourse to explain itself, yet this closed system chokes off alternative explanations. Messi, and Argentina, won’t win anything for the foreseeable future and it has nothing to do with soccer. Allow me to explain. Continue reading “Explaining Why Messi & Argentina May Never Win Again” »

Why I'll Truly Miss The Tune of Fabio A Capello in England

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Capell0 has resigned. Everybody tosses rocks at the FA’s glass house, yet we struggle to articulate our feelings. For sure, changing coaches on the cusp of a major tournament is never good. Remember the Ivory Coast drama before the 2010 World Cup? Yes, the FA could have better included Capello in the John Terry issue. After all, Capello did strip him of the captaincy before the last World Cup after Bridge-gate. Still, bureaucrats and coaches and finger-pointing hide a simple urge: regret.

I ask a simple question. Did anybody ever truly love Fabio Capello? Yes. I did. And here’s why: Continue reading “Why I'll Truly Miss The Tune of Fabio A Capello in England” »

The Symbology of the New Red ESPN Gamecast Own Goal Icon

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Since mankind painted the walls of caves, we have struggled to capture the immensity of reality in brushstrokes. At the most basic level, a painting or image will simply mirror real life. A family portrait, a postcard – these superficial reproductions serve a purpose, albeit limited. However, every once in a while inspiration meets perspiration meets talent. Sometimes, a pictorial creation transcends reality to not just replicate it, but communicate profound understandings of both reality and ourselves.

When ESPN debuted their new red-own-goal icon a few weeks back, it was one of those moments. Since then it has proliferated, appearing in both the Ireland European Cup qualifying game and the Brazil-Mexico friendly. But what does this little red soccer ball say about us? Continue reading “The Symbology of the New Red ESPN Gamecast Own Goal Icon” »

Guest Post at Fisted Away – England's Joy & Jubilation

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I can feel your confused emotions. On the one hand, you are disappointed at the lack of ink on the game last night. Yes, I know, I know. In thirty years time, our grandchildren will ask us – “Abuelo/a, did you vote for Barack Obama?” And we will scoff at them – “nietito/a, let me tell you about a truly historical moment, like when the US beat Panama 1-0.” Still, I will let other poets etch their praises in stone for all eternity to appreciate.

On the other hand, I have written a delightful guest post at FistedAway. And the topic is truly something to celebrate – England’s heroic completion of the group stages at the Under-21 European Championships. Try not to let the salty tears of joy spill onto and ruin your new tablet computer.

FIFA Corruption Scandal Links & Time To Shakedown

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I won’t bore you with another mega-post detailing this FIFA crap. Just remember two things: 1) As long as FIFA gets (practically) free labor from players and shifts the burden of hosting to countries, then they will be a money-grubbing gang of crooks with no incentive to change. 2) FIFA is not a dictatorship, it is a 21st century kleptocracy ala Latin America where the forces of capital hollow out democratic mechanisms.

Now let’s look at what some smart people have to say. And, lastly, an idea. Continue reading “FIFA Corruption Scandal Links & Time To Shakedown” »