When it's over...who do you cheer for?

As a Portuguese Canadian, I am typecast as a Brazilian soccer fan. This is a tale from the other side.

"When it's over? Who do you cheer for?"

Although I have been confronted with this question many times over the years, today was the first time that I felt inspired to actually write about it. Like many beginnings, this one was not particularly glamourous. As I was on my way to the washroom, I overheard a colleague say to another, "I want to see a Brazil-Argentina final." My futebol self couldn't resist jumping right into the conversation. Eyes brimming large with excitement, I announced, "I'll tell you why I want to see Argetina in the final." A dramatic pause ensued (at least for me). "Because Maradona will run naked through the streets of Buenos Aires* if Argentina wins." That got their attention.

Colleague1 shrieked, "Really? Are you serious?" (Colleague1 is a Brazil fan) Colleague2 nodded in accordance with the truth spoken but retorted, "Oh, in that country, running naked through the streets will mean nothing. Nobody will care." Not having much intimate knowledge of Argentina's cultural norms, I couldn't refute Colleague2's statement yet I added, "Yeah, but think about the media scrum, the paparazzi arriving en masse. The international frenzy. It will be insane!" My colleagues smiled and then laughed.

Then I let out the statement that I knew would alter the mood. "As much as I would enjoy the Maradona show, actually I wouldn't really, I have to say that my team isn't Argentina but Portugal."

The inquisition was quickly organized. Colleague1 asked, "When Brazil and Portugal play against each other? Who do you cheer for? Both?" I quickly replied without hesitation, Portugal. I resisted the urge to say that the question was ridiculous considering I had just said I was a Portugal fan. Moving on with the checklist, Colleague2 presented his question, "If/when Portugal is eliminated, do you then cheer for Brazil?" With conviction, passion and a barely discernible note of irritation, I pledged my soccer allegiance to the land the Romans once called Portus Cale, "When Portugal's over then it's over." Colleague2 smiled brightly and said, "That's right!" I then added, "What I should have said was, I'll still follow the tournament for the sport itself but I'm no longer cheering for any team." Colleague2, obviously thrilled with my sense of priorities, blurted out, "Yeah! No taking down the Portuguese flag and replacing it with a Brazilian one." Straightening my back and my voice heavy with indignation, I replied, "I hate that!"

I'm not oblivious to how ignorant such a statement may seem. Of course I understand and respect that people have the right to cheer for their soccer heroes. I would be dishonest though if I didn't point out how much ridicule and criticism Portuguese people have faced over the widespread notion that the Portuguese will quickly ditch their red, green, and yellow coat of arms flag for the green and yellow ordem e progresso.

Recently, a friend and I were walking up and down the Danforth on a warm evening after a lovely dinner at Pan. I griped that I hated how everyone assumed that just because I was of Portuguese descent, I was labelled as a Brazilian soccer fan in hiding. She empathized but added, "Yeah but a lot of Portuguese people do cheer for Brazil." I knew she was speaking the truth. Putting aside the fact that I know that a lot of non-Brazilians cheer for Brazil and this often goes unchallenged; I have often tried to understand the reasons for the Portuguese love affair with Brasil's team of futebol dreams.

Some have suggested the colonial connection. I can't help thinking yeah, but, after 322 years of colonial rule under the Portuguese, the Brazilians achieved highly desired independence. I can't imagine a group of people who desperately wanted to sever ties with the colonizer being thrilled about its descendants whooping and hollering as Brazilian golos get through the opponent's net.

Then there's the same language argument. Several years ago, I recall sitting outside during a break at work and a colleague approached me out of the blue. The next thing I knew, I was being blasted with, "My friend was born and raised in Brazil and she doesn't understand why Portuguese people cheer for Brazil. Is it because of the same language? Well, if it is, that's a stupid reason." I was gobsmacked.

I've also heard about the family connection reason. Many Portuguese have family who immigrated to Brazil (I do as well on both my mother and father's side of the family). While that reason may be good enough for some, it's not good enough for me to personally join the samba squad supporting Brazilian soccer.

Tomorrow afternoon as Portugal plays its Iberian neighbour Spain for a spot in the final 8 of the FIFA World Cup, I'll be sitting in my cubicle working away, all the while silently wishing Portugal much força in this knock-out match.

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Maradona: I'll run naked if we win
http://soccernet.espn.go.com/world-cup/story/_/id/790643/ce/uk/&cc=5901?ver=us