1c : Pride.

One Cup: to rule them all.
The 2010 World Cup began days before I departed for a summer in Madrid, the nationalistic capitol of Spain. “Futbol” is far and away the most popular sport in Spain – with similar rankings in the categories of Recreational Pastime, Dream Job, Watched Programme, Lucrative Business, Conversation Topic, or Argument Theme. 

Having had only minimal interest and involvement with soccer in general, I was inexperienced in World Cup ways. My previous summers’ experience of visiting the largest stadium in Europe, FCB’s Camp Nou in Barcelona, paired with my new family in Madrid, aligned me with the Spanish team from the start. Viva La Roja!

The games were being played in South Africa and as the contest and the summer wore on, that waka-waka theme song featuring Shakira became inescapable, and the tournament more and more intensely publicized. Spain had made it to the knockout stage and people were invested. 

This was interesting and inspiring to me, as my time in Barcelona had indoctrinated me to the bitter rivalry between soccer teams in Spain. FCB, Real Madrid, Atlético (fiercely supported by my homestay’s former-player brother who taught me much on the subject and so I must not leave them out), and others, hold generation long grudges that influence Spanish politics, regionalism, and the identity of the population. 

When FCB and Real Madrid meet, the game is called El Clásico – and the rivalry reflects the tensions between not only the two strongest teams in the league, or the nation, but also of the capital cities of the two dueling regions of Spain- Catalan and Castile. Matches between these archrival clubs are often likened to battles of the Spanish Civil War and continue to incite violence and animosity amongst their fans. 

Quick History Lesson! 

Barcelona is located in a region called Catalonia and, as I quickly learned during my time there, Catalunya is NOT Spain. 

See?

It is a semi-autonomous region with their own flag, police force, and set of rules. Catalan is the official language, with signs reading first in Catalan, then Spanish, and then English. Some parents even go so far as to only teach their children Catalan and network solely in similar circles. This ideology, called Catalanism, goes far deeper than sports matches and encompasses the sordid political and cultural history of the fight to become an independent nation. The summer of 2010 was a particularly tense time, as Spain was facing a debt-crisis and placing further sanctions on Catalan’s self-governing status. 

I cannot possibly detail the intensely complicated political climate, or enunciate the deep emotions citizens have tied to Spain’s past. This battle still rages on and is greatly affecting their current governmental landscape today. Like all countries, there are things you should know before visiting or risk putting your foot in your mouth after you arrive. Do a little homework about their fascinating, important history before saying Hola! to España. 

Nou Camp, who dis?

While living in Barcelona, I had become familiar with FCB and appreciated their “revolutionary” spirit. Barça is a symbol of Catalan identity. Their motto: Més que un Club meaning “more than a club”, is indicative of the Catalan’s desire for freedom, democracy, and the staunch pride their fans have for their communal history of combating regional suppression during Spanish dictatorships. 

Conversely, Real Madrid is steeped in royal Spanish antiquity… as well as their money. They were historically viewed as the embodiment of the oppressively nationalistic and fascist sovereign state. After the war, the team was branded and used by the government for the purpose of promoting success in politics abroad, and the pride of “being Spanish” at home. Today, Real is one of the most popular, as well as most prosperous football club brands in the world.

While in Madrid, and keen to remain impartial, I visited their grounds at Bernabéu Stadium as well, and though beautifully impressive, and massive with a current 81,044 capacity – it doesn’t compare to many SEC or American Football stadiums.

Although it does have seats...

Being from Alabama, attending Auburn University, and bleeding Orange & Blue, I was not a stranger to passionate sporting events, but the fervor with which the Spanish people became involved with the World Cup was astounding.  

Since it is the World Cup, the team must be comprised of players from the respective teams’ country. Barça contributed more players to the tournament than any other club with 13, and 7 of those were on the Spanish team. Impressively, 20 of the 23 players from Spain’s team were currently playing for one of their national teams (only THREE were playing for England). Compare that to 4 Americans out of 23 for the US team, or 2 Ozzies of 23 for Australia… Only 3 other teams had a higher percentage of players presently playing within their own national squads. Points if you can tell me which, shouldn’t be difficult to figure out…

When Spain defeated the Netherlands 1-0 in overtime to win the final, I felt a country swell with pride for ALL their players, all the citizens, in all the regions.

Two Teams, One Cup.

Gooaaaaalllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllll

That night, people ran from their living rooms to find compatriots. We met in the streets, donning all manner of red and yellow, popping champagne, singing songs, and waving the national colors. 

Nobody leaves Baby out of a toast.

When the team returned home with the cup, the whole city of Madrid shut down. A red sea of people converged to welcome them and cheer, parading the open-roofed bus through the historic center of town, past the Cibeles fountain where Real Madrid fans gather to celebrate their victories. This time she was draped in the Spanish flag. 

Car horns and vuvuzelas blared in a constant cacophony as Spanish flags adorned shoulders and balconies. Groups of strangers sang Campeones!  (Champions!) while dancing in squares and down sidewalks. The celebration continued into the night, and throughout the week, as we watched on every channel.  Tourist stores brushed away the normal trinkets and souvenirs, and every market was inundated with World Cup Champion paraphernalia. Banners and jerseys and tiny gold trophies crowded shop windows. Buy 1 get 3 t-shirts were now not just Madrid, but Spain themed. Everyone had a little bit of La Furia Roja (The Red Fury).

I don’t know what the World Cup celebrations are like in other places, and I may never witness it again. There is nothing I can compare it to. You can’t fully appreciate seeing the news broadcast the Catalonian and Spanish flags hung, side-by-side, unless you recognize how exceedingly rare that sight is. How brave. How important. For a brief, elusive time – Spain was united. To me, it felt extraordinary and meaningful. 

This article echoes many of my experiences during the celebrations.

Those Spanish teams hold a special place in my heart and I look back on them fondly. (…some especially fondly, cause have you SEEN Spanish footballers?! Está Buenoooooo. )

And that was before Sergio Ramos cut his hair.

Two summers in very different iterations of Spain provided the experiences that allowed me to realize the unique splendor of some ideal timing. So keep in mind, as you’re watching these teams battle it out on the pitch over the next few weeks, that some are fighting for more than just victory on the field, but for hope for the people and the nations they represent.  For many, as FCB is More Than a Club… this is More Than a Game. 

Ajmo Hrvatska & Viva la Furia Roja. 

Xx