Where is the World Cup fever?
IF anyone thinks I have gone nuts, let me explain that I am writing this piece while visiting the United States of America. Even though I left Dhaka more than a fortnight ago, I had already noticed the initial symptoms of the World Cup fever in Bangladesh. Street vendors had started to sell the national flags of the popular teams long before the opening ceremony.
Brazil, the host country, and the States being in the same hemisphere, we have been watching the games at very convenient times, during day times or in the evenings. While we were deeply absorbed in watching the spectacular opening ceremony of the World Cup on June 12, an American friend of my eldest daughter dropped in to say hello to us. She was surprised to see us watching a TV programme in Spanish, knowing that none of us, except my son-in-law, understood Spanish. After initial exchange of pleasantries, she asked: “What are you watching?” “The opening ceremony of the World Cup,” one of us replied. She asked very politely: “Excuse my ignorance. Which World Cup is it?” “Football.” Surprised, she exclaimed: “Football! “Sorry, soccer,” we corrected ourselves.
English football is known as soccer in America. American football, also called gridiron in some countries, is like English rugby. The Americans are crazy about it like we are for football or cricket. The National Football League (NFL) is one of the most popular leagues in the United States. It eventually culminates in the league's championship game, the Super Bowl which is watched by all Americans almost like a ritual. The other popular leagues in the States are the Major League Baseball (MLB), the National Basketball Association (NBA) and the National Hockey League (NHL).
Our guest watched the programme practically without asking any further question. She is, by the way, a typical American with very little interest in the FIFA World Cup that creates a craze among football lovers all over the world. The Americans are practically indifferent to it even though they are competing in the World Cup. Mostly, the first generation Americans coming from Asia, the Hispanic countries and Europe are interested in football.
The World Cup fever must have gripped Bangladesh by now even though there are some restrictions in flying national flags of foreign countries on the roofs of houses. Hot discussions must be taking place on the outcome of each match at all places including tea shops, street corners and posh living rooms in Dhaka.
We are missing this fever with all its flavour in the States.
The writer is a former chief engineer of Bangladesh Atomic Energy Commission.
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