World Cup 2014: Football lessons from a non-footballer

Argentina vs Bosnia, 15 June 2014, 7pm kick-off, Maracana Stadium, Rio de Janeiro

It was the first of 4 matches we'll be watching live at this World Cup - or probably any World Cup for that matter - so here are 3 things I learned as a first-timer and 'non-follower':

1) Brazilians apparently hate Argentinians - at least where football is concerned.

This might be common knowledge to football fans but it was news to me. Maybe this is why Argentinians have been so 'in your face' on the streets these past few days? I thought it was just their spirit and passion for the sport but maybe it's a case of over compensation. They're in enemy territory.

2) Bosnia was NOT the underdog.

I foolishly assumed they were. With a legend like Maradona, Argentina was naturally on my radar of good football teams. But Bosnia...do they even have a team?

Being next door to Brazil, naturally Argentina would have a bigger following...and they already made their presence in Rio felt - everywhere.  On the streets stopping traffic, in the Metro cheering in chorus, on the beach, at the restaurant, blue and white striped jerseys, hats and flags everywhere...you know the Argentinians are here. In fact, if you didn't know you were in Brazil you could be forgiven for thinking you were in Argentina.

Bosnians on the other hand...not a peep. I was unsure of what their team colours were until the players stepped onto the field. I felt sorry for them. Such a tiny country so far away...who was going to cheer for them? I felt I should...but only on the inside. I didn't want to be the lone voice cheering for the opposition surrounded by boisterous Argentinians.

As soon as the first whistle blew to start the game with Argentina in possession, the crowd booed. "What the??! How many Bosnians are here??!!", I thought.

In those opening seconds it became clear that Bosnia was not the underdog...Argentina was. Bosnia had the entire Brazilian vote behind them. So in a stadium with close to 75,000 people, there was a pretty dominant vote in favour of Bosnia...and they made sure the Argentinians knew it.

As for the match itself, Bosnia can hold their head high. If not for the own goal scored for Argentina in the opening minutes, it would've been a draw. Not bad for a country which I didn't even know had a team until we got our tickets.

3) Messi is an Argentinian football god.

They even have a chant just for him which includes hand motions bowing down to him. After he scored the goal for Argentina I could see why. Not only did he lift the team's spirit with that goal but the crowd's too. Suddenly the Argentinians got their confidence back...on the field and in the stands. It's probably no coincidence that he bears the same number 10 as other football legends before him either (Maradona for Argentina and Pele for Brazil). Admittedly, it was a pretty cool goal ricocheting off the post the way it did (but not as cool as van Persi's header against Spain in the Spain vs Netherlands game). After he scored I suddenly paid attention to this 10 in the blue and white striped jersey. He's good. Really good and it seems he lived up to his reputation.

You don't have to be a football fan to enjoy the World Cup and these little surprises make it just that bit more interesting for me. Surprises which were only possible because we were there. 

Spain vs Chile is up next in a couple of days. I'll be wearing my Spanish jersey loud and proud for that one. Mainly because Hubby follows Spain...so I might as well. And after their horrendous loss against Netherlands, Spain has to win it to stay in it. I'm also feeling just a bit spiteful against Chile after they beat Australia...even if it was no surprise.

In the meantime, we'll be sightseeing around Rio watching other games from the 'sand pit'.