Today, Poland played Greece in the opening game. The High Park neighbourhood and The Danforth were full of soccer fans, cheering and screaming, swearing and crying. And after the game, the honking. Many people put the flags of their countries (their other countries -- you know, the ones that aren't Canada) on their cars and other cars honk in response; it's sort of an audible high-five. Two years ago, when the Dutch beat Brazil in the World Cup quarter-final game, a street party erupted on King Street East in front of Betty's, where a bunch of us Oranje were watching the game.
Where else in the world could such things happen without the events ultimately descending into violence? This is just one of the many things that makes Toronto so amazing.
[Aside: perhaps I should have averted my readers to the fact that I am a loyal, and arguably snobby, Torontonian. In other words, I firmly believe that Toronto is the Centre of the Universe and that every else in Canada can be referred to simply as the ROC (Rest of Canada). The only thing that I do not adore about my city is our hockey team, the Maple Leafs. And our current mayor, who is an embarrassment. However, I do cheer for the Leafs if they are playing Ottawa. I will also defend our honour against Montrealers and their Habs, even if I secretly cheer for the Habs when they play the Leafs. I never cheer for our current mayor. Ever.]
Tomorrow, my team, Oranje -- the Dutch -- play their first game against Denmark. I have procured a suitable amount of orange clothing and will be watching the game with other Oranje fans (aka Het Legioen) at School. School is hosting a big ol' soccer party, complete with extra big screens and lots of Orange. I apologise in advance to the residents of Liberty Village.
So, as the tournament begins, lest you wonder where my loyalties lie, I say this: HUP HOLLAND HUP!
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