El superfan mas fanatico del mundo (the most fanatic superfan in the world)

when i was a boy in primary school in paraguay we lived in the countryside along one of two paved roads (aside from paved and cobblestoned streets in asuncion). We lived on a ranch across the road from our 3 room school. it was attended by the kids from 2 nearby villages and the mostly mennonite (german speaking immigrants from canada and ussr).

we played soccer every chance we had: before school and every recess (even even played a quick game during a short 5 minute break between classes)

the teams were predetermined: we played according to our alegiances, in the '70s everyone cheered for olympia or cerro porteno.

so we played for our favorite teams, but some of the weaker players had to play for their rival to even out the numbers (very demoralizing).

we would often insult each other by trash talking the other guy's team. i once even say painted little clay statues of soccer players in full uniform posed in a crouch defecating on the ground (the perfect insulting gift)

like every male in any country (other than canada or usa) i clain great natural talent near greatness in this sport

at the age of 12 i moved to canada, where my sport was ignored

i went to a high school that only recognized basketball as a sport

basketball players were worshipped everyone else didn't even exist

now i seldom play or watch soccer

but when the world cup rolls around

and paraguay qualifies more ofen than not

i bring out my patriotism for my birth country (which by the way will celebrate its bicentenial in 2011, i was shocked to learn when i came to canada that a country vastly larger and populous would still be ruled by a far away monarchy--canada has the same lady on almost every piece of currency, paraguay has soldiers and generals with swords and horses)

so i put on my paraguayan national team jersey, bake some chipa and brew myself some mate cocido and cheer for my old country

vencer or morir (victory or death)