World Cup Wanderings

June 28, 2006

Walking downtown today I came across a small group of kids kicking a soccer ball around. It is a surprisingly rare site.. The New York Times recently ran an article on soccer in Brazil.. which thrives at all levels of society. The author, Larry Rohter, notes:

Of the 23 players on the national squad competing in Germany this month, only three come from a background that would be considered middle class here. Most of the players, whether they were born in cities or in the countryside, come from families that are humble, the preferred term for poverty here.

I want to ask: what holds Egypt back from becoming like Brazil? People here like soccer.. follow their local clubs.. sit out in cafe's watching the important games. What is missing (aside from the fact that there is only one Brazil). I think Egypt and the other Arabi countries represent a case where social values hinder the development of world class soccer. Let me just set down some observations by way of explaining that position:

• Urban space is not geared for soccer. The kids in the picture above found a small corner in which they could kick the ball around, but they are by no means on anything like a field. If you could see the busy streets here you would undoubtedly not want your children playing soccer on them!
• What there is in the way of green space is overwhelmingly private. This means the space for soccer is available almost entirely for the wealthy classes. I would bet that the players from all the Arab national teams (Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Tunisia) come from significantly more wealthy backgrounds than their counterparts on a national team like that of Brazil.
• Nobody wears shorts here (OK, except for kids and tourists). Actually let me revise that: nobody wears shorts in public (again, except for kids and tourists). We are getting close to July, and it is quite hot.. but you do not see Egyptians, men or women, wearing shorts or tanktops. It is a sweaty country! But think for a moment about this: if social conventions do not allow for shorts and tanktops.. in public.. then how will one play soccer? The answer: in private clubs where shorts are fine.

Soccer seems to be a great example of the way social values turn and influence life in unexpected ways. In this case, barring the development of a Brazil-like national powerhouse.

[Here I am at halftime for the Brazil/Ghana match. I am a little disappointed, as Brazil is ahead by two points! I would have loved an African team to break into the top. I also thought Ghana played exciting soccer, and were more impressive than the 3-0 final score might lead one to think.]