Tuesday 10 June 2008

Si, Podemos [Yes, We Can]

I'm thrilled to bits that Barack Obama will be the Democratic candidate in the next US Presidential election, with his slogan 'yes, we can'. This post isn't about that, though, it's about footie. I was somewhat disgusted that England failed to qualify for Euro 2008 last summer, but now I'm here in Madrid. It's a no-brainer. I'll support Portugal Spain. I've watched two games in the last two days, but today was The Big One. Spain's first game in the tournament, against Russia. I was amazed to discover that this tournament is being shown free-to-air on Cuatro. I can get that on my new telly. Brilliant! I don't know if this EuroCopa has a theme song, but the Cuatro coverage has this tag-line: 'podemos' (we can). I lurve it.

I discovered a few hours before the match that it was being shown for free in Plaza de Colon - a ten-minute walk from here. But I figured it might be a bit busy, so I gave it a miss. I set the telly up on a table on the terrace, and was able to see and hear it, with the added bonus of the roars from Colon whenever things got exciting. It was almost like being in a stadium - apparently there were about a quarter of a million people in Pl de Colon. It was an exciting game, and Spain beat Russia 4-1. A sensational start. Can we win it?

Si. Podemos.

9 comments:

Graeme said...

Well now we'll see "we can win it" euphoria take over. It's Sweden next for Spain and I think they'll be a bit tougher opposition than the Russians were. Villa looks like he's up for it and the team played well, but I still think they won't pass the quarter finals.

hut said...

If you can believe that a black man can be president of the United States then you can believe that Spain can win the tournament.

Em said...

viva espanol! anyway, i'm enjoying it here at fan park in madinat arena :)

Erik Wirdheim said...

Hi Keefieboy,

"Sí, podemos" - I agree. I hope and believe that Sweden will make it to the quarter finals (although I doubt that the game coming Saturday will take us there) but as soon as they are out, I'll wholeheartedly cheer for Spain. And so will my neighbours, although they won't admit it ;-)

//Erik

leftbanker said...

I haven't seen a better team than Spain in all of the matches thus far, and yes, I'm including Holland. You have to admit, these guys know how to score goals. So far it's Villa, Villa, Villa, and Villa. His goal in the 93rd minute last nigt was brilliant.

Anonymous said...

Please don't put too much faith in the hopemonger.Obama certainly does the talk,but lacks experience
and strategy(other than to get into power).Hillary would have been the better President.I'm more
than skeptical about the change agenda? Be specific dude! Agents of change:Hitler,Stalin,Castro,Pol Pot!

And as for Spain in the EuroCup:Viva Espana! Hasta el final.

Keef said...

Anon: duh. Are you seriously saying that Obama would be a totalitarian monster like those guys you named? (I think you left one out: GWB). Experience? After the experience of the last 'experienced' President, I don't care. Similarly for Hillary, I think her 'experience' counts against her. Obama is fresh, and capable of thinking in new ways. That appeals to me greatly.

Anonymous said...

Obama is as fresh as a turd on the calle Pez!He's the same old spin with new packaging.Ypu've not only bought the hype,but apparently drunk the kool-aid.God bless you and Viva Madrid!

Keef said...

Anon: thank you for your kind and thoughtful comment. I disagree, of course.