Why Rayados? I asked. “That’s my home team.” Only seconds into our conversation I learned that her favourite team, Rayados de Monterrey, won their league match in Mexico the day before. Miriam is a true fan. Back in Monterrey she goes to the stadium and gives her team a proper support. She recently came to Montreal with intention to stay for six months and study … Continue reading RAYADOS DE MONTERREY, MIRIAM
Why Argentina? I asked. “This shirt was a gift. Nothing to do with soccer.” He told me I could have a minute of his time. Anthony, an Italian Canadian from Montreal, doesn’t follow soccer, or any sport. Which was curious since he looked to me as an athlete. He doesn’t have any interest in Italian, not even in Canadian sports. He told me: Why would … Continue reading Argentina, Anthony
Why Porto? I asked. “I’m of Portuguese descent.” His parents are from Portugal. I didn’t ask him how to spell his name so I hope I did it right. Given his name, and even his looks, there has to be something Irish in the whole story. Niel is a soccer fan and, inevitably, Mourinho’s name and Porto’s European cup came into the conversation. I walked … Continue reading PORTO, NIEL
Why Barcelona? I asked. “Spain.” He is a huge fan of Spanish football. And with a reason. Spain currently holds European championship at U-19, U-21 and also, as everyone knows now, Spain is the Champion of Europe. I met Didier a few days before the finals and he knew even then. He had no doubts that Spain will win, again. Didier was born in Montreal … Continue reading BARCELONA, DIDIER
Why Germany? I asked. “I am German.” This was an arranged meeting since I first met Gunnar when he was living here as an exchange student in 2008. Back then he was in Photography program at Concordia University but now is back in Munich and works in IT industry. Now he’s just visiting Montreal and we met for a drink. He is very proud, not … Continue reading Germany, Gunnar
Why Liverpool? I asked. “I had a hefty dose of John Barnes as I was growing up in England.” Only after I started talking to, and taking pictures of, Ben I realized we had met before. Only, at that time, he was wearing Barcelona shirt. These are his true colours though. He was born in Zimbabwe, grew up in London, England and studies at the … Continue reading LIVERPOOL, BEN
Why Portugal? I asked. “I went to visit Portugal. It’s a beautiful place.” I noticed Patrick driving by and then stopping at the local gas station. I walked back and approached him. Patrick doesn’t follow soccer much. He is simply too busy, he says; artist, musician, rapper, all around party organizer. A few years back he visited Boom Festival in Idanha-a-Nova and had a fantastic time, fell … Continue reading Portugal, Patrick
Why Spain? I asked. “My parents are from Spain.” I met Juan Pablo two days before the Euro 2012 finals. He was born in Columbia but lives in Montreal. His parents are from Spain and he has family in Columbia and Peru. Juan Pablo was very confident Spain would win the Euro, and with a good reason now we know. I never asked him why … Continue reading Spain, Juan Pablo
Why Spain? I asked. ” I always pick Spain.” Claude walked out of Metropolis just as I was passing by. He has no family history related to Spain. He told me he has friends there, but he also has friends in Italy, Germany and France. As he was saying this it looked as if the origins of his choice ‘to always pick Spain’ are mysterious even … Continue reading Spain, Claude
Why Zaire? I asked. “I loved 1974 WC Zaire showing and especially the free kick moment against Brazil.” My football memory starts with 1974 World Cup. Very good Yugoslavian team was there, in the same group with Zaire. The tournament was a humiliating experience for the African team. The free kick moment in the game against Brazil was funny, even Mwepu finds it to be so. But … Continue reading Zaire, Tony
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