Football and national character

[alexandros]

I've been thinking recently that football is maybe the only collective sport worldwide were national characteristics (even if they are clihes) are shown with so much frequency. In other words,national teams more than usually play according to the nation's (supposed) mentality.
Some good examples might be the hard-working and devoted germans,the great fighting spirit of british and irish,the sophisticated and delicate french,the samba-dancind brazilians and Argentina with the great history of artist and people with a real fighting spirit, just to mention some of the stronger footballing nations.One might as well refer to e.g. the greek team,which reflected almost every positive and negative aspect of greek people-a bit lazy and unwilling to work hard,easily drown when a supposedly easy game turns tough but also great fighters when emotionally touched and motivated.No wonder why Greece lost the only Euro 2004 match where they were supposed to be favorites(against Russia).
The list might be larger including almost every nation on earth-and for those who might "sniff up" a hidden racism,just to note that I don't use those "cliches" to rate nations,but only to spot some differences shown in mentality and expressed on the pitch,as well as other aspects of life.

 

[nird]

this is true with some nations, yeah, but I can't see it in every national team. In that case the norwegian national team would be physically strong and with a viking fighting spirit, something that is NOT present there. But it is true when it comes to the brits and the latin-population.

 

[Joe Star]

I wouldnt know about that. Some NT's (mine included) play so erratically that its hard to observe a patern in their play. While others on the other hand play the complete opposite of our perception of their country.

On a side note, JTNY would completely agree with this thread

 

[mufc_daddy]

I think u ava good point.

England only play well really when we are a goal down. That is when u see true British spirit & mentality that pushes us to do well.

Watching South American teams is like watching a party lol. They dance with the ball and have fun. They play with attitudes u can see that u can see them doin in real life. I've never been to south america but u always see ppl smilin and havin fun. Take Ronaldinho, Ronaldo and Roberto Carlos, they are always smiling on the pitch.

Argentinians play tough. Is this similar to their lifestyles? things like poverty, economic recession etc all play some part i feel that u can see on the pitch. U do anythin to survive in harsh climates (eg stealing when u r poor) so they reflect this on the pitch by doin anything to win! (hand of god for one )

Then u have the Italians. Always lookin good with their elegant fashion sense both on and off the pitch. They seem to live plain lifestyles from what ive seen (growing pasture etc), tidy businessmen. And yet their culture is signified on the pitch with "boring play" according to some.

This is by no means being disprespectful to cultures, races etc. I think its true that culture does play part on the field and makes the game exciting. Take England against Northern Ireland for example. 2 teams a class apart yet culture (based on close rivalries) played a part and the lower ranked team won. This is what makes it the beautiful game.

 

[Rob]

Its kind of true, take Turkey for example, a sh*t nation and a sh*t national team.

 

[Vagegast]

I hate Turks.

 

[Rob]

Mexicans are always offside crossing that last line, and the same can be said in real life.

 

[Deisler]

That's being a little to harsh with Turks. Still i believe national pride should affect football only in fair play competiton form.

 

[Vagegast]

Somehow the linesman always fails to catch them offside and put up his flag.

 

[Vagegast]

That's being a little to harsh with Turks. Still i believe national pride should affect football only in fair play competiton form.

We don't need to be taught any moral lessons from a fake German.

 

[mika]

russians actually start playing only when they are on thin f*ckin ice

 

[mufc_daddy]

Its true with Turks though. Hostile nature and hostile on the pitch.

Germans are tough and hard workers. Same on the pitch.

Aussies are battlers and we saw that on the pitch the other day.

Talent helps too ofcourse.

 

[Rob]

russians start playing well only when they are on thin ice

Or being pressed by Germans.

 

[mika]

Or being pressed by Germans.

SO TRUE! only when the germans got to moscow we realized that we are in deep sh*t and started to actually fight

it is always like that in war, in football everywhere

 

[Rob]

SO TRUE! only when the germans got to moscow we realized that we are in deep sh*t and started to actually fight

it is always like that in war, in football everywhere

Smertin = Stalin.

Makes sense.

 

[Deisler]

We don't need to be taught any moral lessons from a fake German.

It was not meant to be directed to a fake dutch.

 

[Vagegast]

I've got a Dutch passport, how about you?

 

[Bobby]

I've got an Israeli passport, but keep it on the low.

 

[Rob]

I've got a Dutch passport, how about you?

You also have a criminal record.

 

[Deisler]

I've got a Dutch passport, how about you?

I slept with a Dutch girl, that makes me more of Dutch than your peace of laminated paper.