'It brings out the nationalism'

By Francisco Ojeda

Published: June 10, 2006

The chants could be heard from outside the Old Germany Restaurant in Choctaw on Friday afternoon.

World Cup

Some were in German. Some were in English. The most popular was in Spanish - "Ole! Ole! Ole! Ole!

The varying chants were matched by the diversity inside the restaurant. The owner, Mike Turek, and a couple of other people wore replica uniforms of the German World Cup soccer team. A few others wore those of France or England. The United States was represented, too.

"The World Cup brings the globe together more than any other sports championship, said Turek, who moved to the United States in 1974 from Germany. "Everybody gets excited about it. It brings us all together. There's no other spectacle that shows the pride people have in their country.

The World Cup, which began Friday, shows the melting pot of different people and cultures not only in Oklahoma, but in the United States. The excitement and the patriotism of each person's country shows during the monthlong event that ends July 9.

"It brings out the nationalism, said Oklahoma City University men's and women's soccer coach Brian Harvey, a native of England. "It's a wonderful thing. It has truly become a world event. It brings out the national pride with so many diverse people and cultures in this country.

Soccer might not be the No. 1 sport in America, but it is the most popular sport in the world overall.

"This is the time people show their colors, said Juan Lopez, director of a Hispanic soccer club in Oklahoma City called Real Cuervo FC.

Lopez is a native of Mexico.

"It's good that they finally come out of the woodwork, he said. "It's pretty neat to see people here that are from all over the world.

They might not live in Germany or Mexico any more, but still there is national pride. And it's not just for the country where they grew up. They cheer for America, too.

"People are proud of where they're from, their heritage, but this is the time they are able to show it more, said Heritage Hall High School boys soccer coach Tommy Riley, who is from England. "There is a passion for soccer, and you see it every four years. You get that banter going among fans. We all yell and scream for our team.

The World Cup is much more than a tournament held every four years.

"The World Cup is so emotional for people, Lopez said. "You're not only representing the team, you are representing your pride, your people, your country.

Sometimes the World Cup is an escape from worries. A war on the Ivory Coast has stopped while the World Cup is being played.

"It moves people, said Paulo Kubis, a midfielder for the University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma in Chickasha. Kubis is Brazilian.

"It's a chance to forget the problems during that time. It makes a difference. Some people from Brazil are only patriots during the World Cup time.

"But at least they are there.

With the U.S. team having good expectations in this tournament, the popularity of soccer here might pick up speed.

"It's part of life in most places, said Keith Eddy, an English native who is the director of coaching at the Tulsa Soccer Club. "There's not that attention over here like overseas. This is the biggest event in the world. A lot of people are excited. There's a passion there.

"Maybe that passion will rub off. The U.S. has a team now that people can be proud of. Soccer is still not a major sport here yet, but you see people still love the game of soccer.

For the next month, people of all nationalities will gather at various places to show their support and nationalism.

"In Brazil, businesses close down, Kubis said. "Everyone wears yellow. They get crazy for the soccer team, especially during the World Cup time. I don't know what to expect here. I see guys out with their country's colors.

"I just know that I'm ready to wear all my Brazilian stuff.