NR Commentary

Argentina’

Musings

World Cup 2010 Oscars: And the Winner Is …

by Clive Longbottom-Fellow, Esq.

SA World Cup

The World Cup is over. Carlos Puyol is a world champion but still refuses to get a haircut. Africa’s first World Cup has ended without any of the players falling prey to lions and tigers like in Kenya, or polar bears or unicorns for that matter. As far as we know, Jacob Zuma hasn’t married anyone else and the universe is still in decent running condition, not great, but decent.

In celebration of the previous month of almost non-stop soccer, we’ve decided to roll out a few World Cup Oscar Awards. We’ve left out the US because the homeland deserves its own set of awards. So rest of the world, here you go. (more…)

Culture

Football-Inspired Music & Maradona Singing a Tribute to Himself

by Clive Longbottom-Fellow, Esq.

Maradona and Manu Chao

So you’ve been asking around for new music?  Well these aren’t exactly new, but here are a few fantastic songs from South America that highlight the intersection of music and football.  First up — the great Manu Chao (I know he’s French).  The song is called La Vida Tombola, and as you can tell from the video, it’s about that lovable pudgy guy, Diego Maradona.  There’s some quality early footage of young Maradona.  Check it out after the jump.

(more…)

Corruption

Barra Bravas Go To South Africa

by Clive Longbottom-Fellow, Esq.

Argentina Crowd

Argentine newspaper Clarín recently reported that the Barra Bravas of several teams in the Argentine First Division have struck a deal with the Argentine government to provide security for government events (whatever that means) in exchange for tickets to the World Cup in South Africa — paid for by the government.  That is, airfare paid for by Argentine taxpayers.  Needless to say, many Argentines are not pleased by this news.

(more…)

Gender

Yes, Women Can Be Football Fanatics

by Clive Longbottom-Fellow, Esq.

Male and Female Fans

A few nights ago, I was at the U.S. Ambassador to Argentina’s residence in Buenos Aires.  Why?  Because that’s how I roll.

While there, I was speaking with two women, one Argentine and the other Colombian, who both live in Buenos Aires.  These two had something else in common.  They were football fanatics.  Full-fledged terrace walking, song singing, team news absorbing maniacs.  So we got on quite well.

(more…)

Coaching

Greatness in One Thing Doesn’t Presume Greatness in Another, Diego

by Clive Longbottom-Fellow, Esq.

Diego Maradona

Just because Michael Jordan was great at basketball, doesn’t mean he’s great at baseball.  Just because Arnold Schwarzenegger was a great (and we use that term loosely) actor, doesn’t mean he’s a good governator.  Just because Silvio Berlusconi is a great womanizer, doesn’t mean he can run a country or AC Milan for that matter.  And just because Maradona is one of football’s all-time greats, doesn’t mean he should be coaching Argentina.  We also suspect that he’d be a below average Argentine folk singer.

(more…)

Featured Gear

"Les Éléphants" (Côte d'Ivoire/Ivory Coast)

If you love perms or Didier Drogba, you’ll love the Les Éléphants shirt …

$19.99 USD

Featured Gear

"Three Lions" (England)

Support Engerland while wearing the Nutmeg Radio Three Lions shirt…

$19.99 USD

Featured Gear

"La Furia Roja" (Spain)

Spain is trying to conquer the world again. This time, they might succeed.

$19.99 USD

Subscribe

Receive news & updates by email.
We promise not to abuse the privilege.

Say Something

Leave us an anonymous message.

  1. (required)
 

cforms contact form by delicious:days

Football for Change

Learn more...

Football for Change is a feature in which Nutmeg Radio highlights work being done by organizations across the globe using soccer to promote development.

  • Nutmeg Radio Contributors

    Our team of all-stars. Click on a face for bio.

    Clive Longbottom-Fellow, Esq.
    The Chairman
    El Gringo Louco
    Beowulf Ritchie