the boys of summer.

[of_doom]

While the World Cup is a religious experience, and the Copa America and European Championship are grails in their own right, my favorite football competition is still the U-20 World Youth Championship. It's the tournament that made me into a football fan. I was devoted to the 2001 competition, and I've followed it ever since. It's a carnival of

Comments

[of_doom]

The Nigerian fans are always ace! Do you remember the final from 2005? I genuinely felt awful for all of the Nigerian fans after their team lost, because they were so, so enthusiastic the whole time.

Oh, lucky! I was thinking of going to Ottawa since Canada is so close, but it really would have been quite expensive. Not the games themselves, but travel and lodging and food and everything. Depending on the teams, I might go to Toronto for the final, though! :D

[of_doom]

mostly young fangirls

Japanese fans take it to a whole new level, haha, judging by all of those preseason club trips we always see. >:D

I've heard a lot of good things about Canada's increasing love for football, from fanblogs and stuff. Do you think it's a mini-Germany effect where preparing for these competitions gets everyone excited? Or maybe other factors, hm. Either way, it's a great development.

[of_doom]

It's kind of the same in the US; AYSO and junior leagues are really popular, but when you get into really competitive, organized soccer things don't really work out. I always describe the situation as: Everyone here plays the sport, but no one watches it.