Football and World Culture

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xhM-cpSwrmM

In the mid-1890s, Charles William Miller took a copy of the existent rules at the time and a football to Brazil, from where it caught on like wild fire. Brazil’s national team are now regarded as one of the most skillful and abled football nations in the world. They have created their own style of football which between 1958 (Brazil’s first world cup success) and 2002 (Brazil’s last world cup success) has captivated the world whilst on their way to winning 5 World Cups.

Brazil were the first nation outside of the UK to be truly captivated by the game and feel the same love for it as the English, they were not the last. In over 200 countries across the globe football is adored and participated in by over 250 million people (and that’s just known players!).  

    Different countries have their own cultures which create an identity for the nation. For example, (stereotypically) the Germans are renowned for their beers, the Italians for their cuisine and the Asians for their martial arts. This can be said too for the football culture of each nation. Of course the cultures all have some aspect of similarity, but the way the game is perceived can differ across the continents. Part of the English football culture is to hit the pub with your mates and family, have a few drinks before going to the stadium and screaming at the top of your lungs for 90 minutes whilst being enthralled by the action on the pitch. This combines with the drinking culture already existent in Europe. Countries in different continents have chosen to ban alcohol inside the grounds all together. Africans prefer a different way to enjoy their beloved sport. Instruments such as drums and the recently introduced vuvuzelas are taken inside the stadiums and beaten, blown and chimed throughout the game. Asian supporters show their support for their teams with replica kits, flags and face paint, whilst American’s show in their numbers and combine all cultures to create their own.

The World Cup is the main subject of football across the world. It is what brings these cultures together and allows all participating countries to demonstrate and parade the way in which the beautiful game is supported in their home land.