Futbol - the sport of all nations

I was asked today what my favorite soccer memory was by a co-worker asking only to be facetious. Just trying to make a point. He was saying that soccer is for suckers who can't make it in other sports. I think he was surprised when I couldn't narrow down my futbol memories to just one. I guess it's just a prime example of the Orange County-centric mind -- like the unfortunate cute old racist man in the circle decrying bank loans for immigrants. Dismissing a worldwide sport/obsession/lifestyle as child's play because you simply don't get it.

So here they are, my top futbol memories:

(Although I'm not usually big on most things Argentina - I renounce my renouncement when it comes to Argentinean food & futbol.)

Mexico 1986 - World Cup Final - Argentina v West Germany:
I'm almost nine years. My dad's been teaching me the rules - what off sides mean, when you get a corner (tiro de esquina), when you get a throw-in, yellow cards (tarjeta amarilla), red cards (tarjeta roja), etc. - through the whole tournament. His enthusiastic little tomboy. THIS IS IT! The final moments finally take us into a tie at 2-2. Then Maradona scores the clincher. Argentina wins the world cup.

Italy 1990 - World Cup Final - Argentina v Germany
Sergio Goycochea moves up to become one of the greatest goalies ever. The referee awards Germany with a penalty kick for a "penalty" that didn't happen. Argentina lost the cup. The referee was chased off the field by angry players and fans. My first instance of sports rage.

USA 1994
When the World Cup takes place in your country, you are automatically entered into the tournament, so my USA was finally able to play. They didn't do well, but it was exciting, nevertheless. My parents wouldn't let me go see a game with my uncle in Northern California or Texas. My friend met Sergio Goycochea before one of these games.

France 1998
Ricky Martin performs "La Copa de la Vida" at the opening ceremony.

This is just a minute sample of the impact futbol has taken in my life. When I hear about 30 million people celebrating in the streets over a home run or a touchdown, give me a call. Until then, I'll be here cheering for skillful gol after gol.