Anthems, pageantry and FOOTBALL!!!

For the past month, all of Europe, many soccer fans worldwide and apparently even Pastor Scott, have focused on the Euro2008 tournament which concluded today. It would appear, for many nations, their national soccer team is their primary outlet for showing their patriotism. Before each match the national anthems are played for both teams participating in the fixture. And while The Star Spangled Banner has become so routine those singing it at national events deem it necessary to add their own twist, the national anthems in international soccer are a study in national pride and pageantry.

The players all sing along with fervor. In fact, at the 2006 World Cup, one of the Italian players didn't know the words to The Song of the Italians and was publicly called out and ridiculed by the press. The fans, thousands strong, join the players, waving flags and raising scarves in the air. I must watch a lot of international soccer for...

I have a pretty good handle on the words to the Italian national anthem, though I've never looked them up, visited Italy or studied Italian. I've just watch soccer. Apparently a good number of matches involving Italy apparently.

I learned that Spain's national anthem is one of the few worldwide that has no words. That's fine for them, but it makes their soccer players looked kinda stupid during the pre-game ceremonies. The fans solution is to la, la, la-along with the tune so as not to be outdone by the opponent and their worded-anthem.

Every time I hear the Russian anthem it evokes inner pain, disappointment and the early stages of tears. I can only think it's routed in Olympic defeats, likely in ice skating, though I'm not sure why that sport in particular would cause such emotions. Whatever the cause, those feelings emerge each time I hear that particular anthem.

It was a great month of sensational soccer/fabulous football.