Tens of thousands of South Americans have flocked to Moscow for the World Cup and have been the most visible group of visitors so far, with Peruvian, Mexican and Argentinian chants reverberating around the Russian capital.
Spanish is rarely heard on the streets of Moscow, but has overnight become the primary foreign language in the city, with some Muscovites even beginning to hum along to Peruvian and Colombian supporters’ rallying cries.
The soccer-loving nations on Friday gathered near Red Square, each country’s fans cheering for hours near the Marshal Zhukov statue as Russians took selfies with them.
Peruvian fans, in their white and red colors and many wearing traditional chullo earflap hats, have become especially noticeable due to their sheer numbers and catchy songs.
FIFA has sold more than 43,000 tickets to fans in Peru, after the national side qualified for the World Cup for the first time since 1982 in Spain.
“We’ve been waiting for this for 36 years; it’s very emotional for us,” said Elizabeth Pichilingue, a 38-year-old Peruvian who lives in Hungary.
Peruvian families scattered all over the world were meeting in Moscow to watch their country play, she added.
“This team is closer to the people than any national team we’ve ever had,” said Jaime Urteaga, a 43 year-old Peruvian estate agent, who attributed this to a generational change in the team.
Urteaga said he bought his tickets to Russia “within an hour” of Peru’s 0-0 draw with New Zealand in November last year to qualify for the World Cup.
The 19 hour trip to Russia including accommodation and tickets in several cities has cost Peruvian fans between US$5,000 and US$7,000, but for many the price is secondary to their love for the game.
“I may have to work a year to pay for this, but I will always remember what I see here. It is priceless,” said Renzo Campos, a Peruvian cook living in the US.
Other Central and South American fans were undeterred by the costs.
“In Mexico, football is so popular that many people have sold their cars to come here,” said Dulce Gallegos, a 35 year-old Mexico fan.
Mario Herrera, a Panamanian urologist, paid more than US$4,000 to see his nation play in the World Cup for the first time.
“There was a party all over our country when we qualified, those guys are our heroes,” he said. “We are a small country of 4 million people, but I think we will fill the stadiums.”
Whereas the biggest rivalry between the South American fans is between Argentina and Brazil, all the fans reporters spoke to said the love for the game unites the continent.
“Football is all of our life,” said Sebastian Vicente, a 44 year-old Argentina fan. “Our country expresses itself through football.”
US track and field athletes have about four dozen pieces to choose from when assembling their uniforms at the Olympics. The one grabbing the most attention is a high-cut leotard that barely covers the bikini line and has triggered debate between those who think it is sexist and others who say they do not need the Internet to make sure they have good uniforms. Among those critical or laughing at the uniforms included Paralympian Femita Ayanbeku, sprinter Britton Wilson and even athletes from other countries such as Britain’s Abigail Irozuru, who wrote on social media: “Was ANY female athlete consulted in
Four-time NBA all-star DeMarcus Cousins arrived in Taiwan with his family early yesterday to finish his renewed contract with the Taiwan Beer Leopards in the T1 League. Cousins initially played a four-game contract with the Leopards in January. On March 18, the Taoyuan-based team announced that Cousins had renewed his contract. “Hi what’s up Leopard fans, I’m back. I’m excited to be back and can’t wait to join the team,” Cousins said in a video posted on the Leopard’s Facebook page. “Most of all, can’t wait to see you guys, the fans, next weekend. So make sure you come out and support the Beer
Former US Masters champion Zach Johnson was left embarrassed after a foul-mouthed response to ironic cheers from spectators after a triple bogey at Augusta National on Friday. Johnson, the 2007 Masters winner, missed the cut after his three-over-par round of 75 left him on seven-over 151 for 36 holes, his six on the par-three 12th playing a big role in his downfall. Television footage showed Johnson reacting to sarcastic cheers and applause when he tapped in for the triple bogey by yelling: “Oh fuck off.” Such a response would be considered bad form in any golf tournament, but is particularly out of keeping
The sacred flame for the Paris Olympics was lit yesterday in Olympia, Greece, the birthplace of the ancient Games, in a ceremony inspired by antiquity and marked by messages of hope amid multiple global crises. “In ancient times, the Olympic Games brought together the Greek city states, even — and in particular — during times of war and conflict,” International Olympic Committee president Thomas Bach said. “Today, the Olympic Games are the only event that brings the entire world together in peaceful competition. Then as now, the Olympic athletes are sending this powerful message — yes, it is possible to compete fiercely