The beautiful game

07.07.2004

After a parrillada dinner, we gathered at tía Lea's to watch the opening of the Copa América, the world's oldest soccer tournament. Bolivia was opening against Perú. We hoped for a good showing, as much as we hoped for a victory. Instead, we witnessed two teams clumsily flopping by each other, despite a few, rare moments of brilliance.

Then Bolivia scored, two beautifully executed attacks. Then flopped around the field, ending the game in a disappointing 2-2 tie. And that's soccer/futbol. Sometimes pure enjoyment, sometimes frustrating disappointment.

It took a Brazilian to call it "the beautiful game" — because they truly do raise the game to the level of beautiful art. Their national teams play w/ unbridled joy, like a group of neighborhood friends who've always known each other. Their creativity is a thing to watch. That's why they're always among the fan favorites every World Cup.

Today I'm taking Marcia & Maira to the movies, then ice cream.

Posted by Miguel at 11:21 AM

Comments

Dumbo or Kivon? I am so jealous! I was some Santa Cruz ice cream right now.

Posted by: sam at July 7, 2004 07:17 PM

Neither. We went to Picolos, which was also good. Although. The best ice cream in Bolivia's in Sucre. Seriously.

Posted by: miguel at July 7, 2004 08:36 PM