介绍:
The defining concept of football in Britain is the passion the fans have for the game; this is often seen during the banter and chants at live matches. Growing up in Britain, children realize pretty quickly just how important football is, especially boys. From football trials at schools to talking to your classmates about the weekend's fixtures, football is a huge part of British culture.
The world cup is a special part of this society. Football has created many domestic rivalries in Britain with fans of local teams creating genuine rivalries with fans that support opposing teams. The world cup however is the one time where the entire British nation comes together to get behind their boys in white.
Beijing Television sports commentator Yan Qiang talked about the conflict of interest between club and country.
"Something that football fans have come to understand is the conflict between club and country. 10 years ago it would have been hard for football fans in China to understand why so many fans in England put their club before the country. Now through football education Chinese fans have come to understand the football fans have split loyalties even throughout the World Cup."
England's aspirations for wanting to win the World Cup series are some what curious. The last time that England won the world cup was in 1966 and despite valiant efforts by heroic English football stars such as David Beckham, Wayne Rooney and Frank Lampard they have not been able to repeat events of almost 50 years ago. Despite this, there has still been a constant roar across the entire country for every game England has won in the world cup and genuine disappointment for every time they have lost.
Despite all the positive aspects that are associated with football culture, there are also several negative aspects. In the past competitive banter at games has also led to racist and homophobic comments and in certain circumstances violent outbreaks. The British police force recently stated that they had concerns about British football supporters being attacked by Argentina fans during upcoming world cup.
Yan Qiang reflected on his memories of this epic rivalry.
"I grew up in the age of the Argentina/UK war in the early 80's. I knew for a fact how important the war was for both nations. During the 1986 world cup Argentina lost the war but they won off the pitch. It is a very interesting part of international competition."
The heated rivalry between England and Argentina actually stems back as far as 1966 when the two teams met in the world cup semi-finals. England won the game 1-0, however there were large disputes in regards to whether the British striker Geoff Hurst was offside. After the match, England manager Alf Ramsey refused to allow his players to swap shirts with the Argentines. Such an act is customary and sign of respect between players. He also publicly commented that the South American players were "animals". The intense rivalry between the two teams has continued in every confrontation they have had.
Heated competition in the world cup is part and parcel of what makes it such a passionate event. Football culture is truly imbedded in the heart of England, as demonstrated by these guys.
"Football has always been a big part of my life, from watching the game with my Dad when I was a kid to going down the local pub to watch the premier league finals. I support Fullam and they have such a great fan base and I am really proud to be part of it."
"I remember every time Arsenal played Tottenham, the Tottenham supporters always gave us loads of grief and there was loads of banter, but during the world cup at south Africa, everyone just forgot all about that and cheered the boys on."
"The World Cup back in 2010 was so epic, me and load of my mates went to watch the England qualifiers there. Was one of the best holidays I have ever had."
There is a distinctive difference between the football culture in Britain and the rest of the world. Many people believe this is to do with the fans in Britain, whilst others see it as a wider issue to do with the history of Britain itself. Either way, the World Cup promises to create vibrant atmosphere in not only England, but across the globe.
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