"Meat first, THEN soccer!" - Kicking and Screaming - Umberto (Joseph Sicari)

When in Rome…or South America…
     It's FIFA World Cup Soccer time and the games are in Brazil.  All of the world (excluding the United States) goes crazy this time of year, rooting for their country's soccer team.  Although married to a German and having dated a weekend soccer player in Houston, my excitement level for soccer was right up there with stepping in dog poo.   
​     This time it's different.  Everyone in Uruguay is excited - and it lasts for weeks!  I have found myself watching game after game.
      La Celeste is the Uruguayan soccer team - ranked 7th in the world.  The day of Uruguay's first game, last Saturday, I went into town to buy groceries and building supplies.  Flags were flying everywhere, on cars, motorbikes, horses, and even people.   In the air was a contagious - firecracker - 4th of July - feeling.   Streets, sidewalks, and shops were all crowded with everyone buying the equivalent of "tailgate party supplies."  In Tienda Inglesa (sort of a Target-type store) the employees wore blue wigs, giant Cat in the Hat things, and La Celeste jerseys.  There are even Lay's potato chip bags dedicated to the Uruguayan team. I caved and bought an Uruguayan car flag - which caused my husband to keel over in laughter.
     Sadly, Uruguay lost their first game to Costa Rica.  Another match today though against England and soccer's newest fan will be right in front of the telly, watching and cheering for La Celeste.