World Cup 2018

Originally posted by Caledonia:Reading some of the comments around the web I do sometimes wonder if peoples love of football is a good way for them to mask a bit of casual xenophobia, hopefully we as U2 fans should know a bit better right lol? /rolleyes

Supporting the underdog is great though, especially if the big guns they are playing aren't cutting the mustard like Germany and one or two others so far.

But yeah a lot of thinly veiled xenophobia going on for sure. Always find that a bit sad. It's a great game and all, and I've been watching world cups since 1978, but it is just a game.

"There's only one flag I love. The white one."
"And this hatred will get us no place."

Originally posted by cesar_garza01:[..]


Sometimes it's xenophobia, sometimes it's just old rivalries between countries that go way back. For example, I understand Argentinians always rooting for Brazil's or Germany's rivals.

Originally posted by Caledonia:[..]
Yeah man I hear ya and know that very well being an Englishman (with Scottish and Welsh blood). We've had plenty of that down the years with Scotland / Germany / Argentina for sure.

When it's done in good spirit it's fine and for the most part it *largely* is that way. But there's definitely some thinly veiled xenophobia that goes on - some of the deep-seated hatred simmering below the surface that goes on is tangible - especially from some of the hardcore English and Scots fans who can be amongst the very worst at the extreme end of things where they don't even bother masking it with people saying stuff like "I hope their teams plane crashes" (yep heard that down the years) - and I do find it all a bit sad tbh.

Hopefully most people can remember its just a bag of air being kicked around a field and remember to keep any old rivalry rational. A beautiful game indeed and highly exciting and entertaining at its best and even at its worst sometimes. But just a game.

No need for anyone to be building more walls in this world.

Originally posted by Remy:Poor Mexico, facing Brazil now in the sixteenth finals

Originally posted by maartenpetra:[..]
Yes, Brazil will win it I assume. They are growing you saw it today. If Neymar scores they got it. What about this dream final:Belgium - Brazil

Originally posted by Remy:Poor Mexico, facing Brazil now in the sixteenth finals