Football forever

By Salama A Salama

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The heat of the summer is, for a change, being eclipsed by the hectic pursuits of football. As millions around the world spend their time glued to television screens, watching matches and commentary as if no worry in the world matters, as the World Cup moves towards the finals, and as excitement grows to frenzy, discrepancies are revealed amongst nations. Differences in style and taste become exposed to the public eye, telling us stories of immense interest.

Look at the way different cultures and nations react and interact to the fun and ordeals of the world's most popular sport. Look at how politics merges with sports, and any notion of benevolent sportsmanship is brushed aside. No one wants to be defeated. No nation wants to see their team ousted.

There is humour too, but unflattering in our case. Many found it hilarious that Somali fanatics prevented the public from watching football, arguing that Islam disapproves of "semi-naked men" running after a ball.

The Islamic militants who banned football in Somalia had banned music and singing, as well as women's braziers. They forced men to let their beards grow, and are said to be storming homes to arrest those caught watching football. In response, many Somalis have fled to areas where they can watch the World Cup in peace. It boggles the mind how the fanatics of Somalia plan to go about inspecting women for offensive braziers!

One cannot watch football without taking sides. Watching Ghana hold its ground against the best of Europe's teams was a treat. An African nation with a long history of repression and injustice gets a break. That's refreshing, even if it is only football.

France and Italy begged out early, and the Arabs failed to feel sympathy. In fact, the Arabs tend to judge Europeans by the latter's position on political issues. When the British played Germany, many sided with the Germans. World War II losers rallying to come back into the game, scoring against the Allies; hard not to root for Germany, even as a different set of "allies" are pounding Iraq, Afghanistan, Pakistan and Iran.

The Arabs were sad to see Algeria leaving so early into the competition. But it was Brazil that broke their hearts. They wanted a final between Germany and Brazil. They wanted the Latin Americans to stay in the game. The Latin Americans, with their support for Arab causes and with huge Arab communities, are dear to Arab football fans.

Africa seemed to be doing well in this cup, if only because South Africa hosted it. The end of apartheid in South Africa was a victory for all Africans, and hosting the World Cup was yet another reason to celebrate. It was the chance Africans had been waiting for to display their art, their dance, and their enchanting scenery to the world.

We often make fun of nations who get carried away by football. But you know what? Obama complained of the tension of the close game between the US and Ghana.

The French were the worst, with the parliament calling Raymond Domenech, their disgraced coach, for a hearing. Such interference in football affairs, FIFA objected, crossed the line.

Footballers and rulers bring out the worst and best in us. But no one is worse than Somalia's Muslim fanatics. Compared to them, everyone else is sane.