Vamoooooos! Vamos, Los Ticoooooooooos!

Today's the day. Not wanting to miss out on any of the action, I took the U-bahn (subway) down to the Marienplatz to soak up a little pre-game atmosphere. I wasn't left disappointed, as there were plenty of Ticos and obviously a lot of Germans (who easily go down as the team whose fans have the most predictable look: jersey, bad German flag hat, scarf, flag tied around their wrist, ripped jeans, beer in hand). If you weren't paying attention, and no doubt some of you are, you would think today's game was a cut-throat battle between Germany vs Costa Rica vs Mexico. Yes, Mexico is out in full force, yet none of them seem to know where or when they play their first game (which might explain why they're in Munich). For the record, they play Iran on Sunday in Nurenburg, which isn't far away so they can be forgiven.

A sizeable chunk of the Costa Rican population must be here in Munich. Their fans have a good time, and all wear the same red jersey and hat. The most popular jersey is Paulo Wanchope's, and it's quite possible he could be enjoying himself on the square as we speak instead of, you know, playing the game (he has a tendancy to hide). As for who has the best songs, you be the judge:



The Germans, predictably, are uptight and nervous about the start of the World Cup. They're fully confident of sweeping aside the Ticos, even with Michael Ballack on the bench with a calf injury. Every German fan's scapegoat appears to be manager Jurgen Klinsmann, who has unfairly taken the blame for Germany's worst team (on paper) in two generations. Ballack is the only star and they'll suffer when he's out, relying on a bunch of guys who otherwise aren't really worth mentioning. Now, the star and manager are butting heads in the media, so who knows how this will all play out. Recent history tells us that managers under pressure before the Cup (Aime Jacquet of France in 98, Guus Hiddink of Korea and Phil Scolari of Brazil in '02) can become national heroes, and despite the criticism of Klinsmann's ways, the German fans would more than love to heil — excuse me, hail — him as their new hero. Unlikely, though. Quarterfinals for sure, but no further (and only because FIFA is clearly rigged).



The US game is in three days. More importantly, I travel to Gelsenkirchen in two. While Germany, Costa Rica and Mexico dominated the landscape in fans in Munich, the US was well represented and a respectable fifth after Brazil. If the numerous sports shops in the center sold anything more than a single US jersey, hat and t-shirt (in comparison to pretty much anything you want for Brazil), there'd be more. My personal favorite was the #9 US jersey. But instead of Eddie Johnson, it was right-back Steve Cherundolo, who definitely will never wear #9 or play up front. Nice try, though.

Every World Cup has songs that almost become one with the event (the Ricky Martin video in 98, the "LIttle Less Conversation" by Elvis in 2002, for example), and this summer should be no different. Among the songs competing for the top honor, judging by the "Energy!" radio station here, are: Shakira and Wyclef, "Hips Don't Lie," Juanes "Adios Le Pido," Black Eyed Peas "Mais que Nada" (typical BEP, updating an old song, but it's catchy) and that Rihanna "SOS" song. My bet is on the Shakira song, because no matter where you are, the hips certainly don't lie. Incidentally, Toni Braxton (Toni Braxton?!) sings the official song, which I have yet to hear.

Well, my feet are rested from a morning and early afternoon of pounding the pavement. Maybe a quick nap and I'll head to Olympiapark to get a seat for the game.

Shocker: "Hips don't lie" just came on. Although she does make a brother want to speak Spanish....