Suffered an emotional low when my favorite team Brazil got a humiliating (and historic) 7:1 lost a couple of days ago.  A game that’s supposed to bring joy and peace to people resulted in buckets of tears instead.  I prayed there wouldn’t be a riot.  When Argentina played Netherlands in the semi-final this morning, I cheered for Argentina hoping their win would regain my faith in South American style football.  It was a zero scoring game and Argentina barely won via penalty shootout.  My faith probably wouldn’t be totally regained until I see them beat Germany in the Final!

I started questioning myself recently why I rooted for the South American teams (Brazil & Argentina), and I think I have an answer.  To me, South American style football is more free-form, joyous, and unpredictable.  In contrast, teams like Germany and Netherlands feel more like an army playing under strict orders that are based upon many tactics and statistics.  It’s a bit like Art vs Science.  In a sense, South American style football is more romantic and fun.

The World Cup Final between Germany and Argentina will be one of the biggest trial on my belief in South American style football!