A Good Thang

It would be wrong not to comment on Uruguay's standings in the FIFA World Cup playoffs. Before coming to Uruguay, I (like many Americans) knew little about fútbal (soccer). However, soccer is popular all over the world and especially here, in Uruguay. There are dozens of local teams and interplay between rivals. We have yet to see a local soccer game, but after being introduced to the World Cup games, I plan to see one when the regular season commences, again.

But back to FIFA. Everybody follows the games, here. We had a worker here the other day, and naturally they listened in on the radio. We were all pleased when we moved up to the next round. Today, when we played Korea, the gardener and his wife, though working, followed closely on the radio, and finished early enough to get home and catch the end on TV. Every broadcast station played the game.

When Uruguay scored a goal (2 in all), there were horns and fireworks all through our remote neighborhood, and I am sure throughout the country. I think many are planning some great fiestas, this evening. Uruguay's win over Korea was a great pleasure to watch, since the winning goal came within the last minutes of play.

So, Uruguay moves on to the quarter finals to play Ghana. Everyone has high hopes for this year's team. I think I will start planning next weeks festivities. Friday night will be big here, I am sure.