Together we will explore the politics, economics and culture of what was once termed the "third world" in global comparative perspective. We will at once attend to international structures and institutions and local forms of resistance, governance and trade. We will address the themes of post-colonialism and economic development in a way that is reflective rather than normative, assessing how patterns of interaction have underwritten past, present and future dynamics in the world system.
Serbia beating Germany isn't that big an upset, nor is Mexico beating France (the present French team is way over rated, and old!) The biggest upset by far to date was Switzerland humbling reigning European champions Spain. I have to say, it has been a disappointing World cup so far. Far to many empty seats in stadiums, officiating has been awful, standard of play has been very defensive and therefor quite boring, and Scotland aren't there :-( Too early to give a prediction on who is going to win, but I would say a quite intriguing final would be a repeat of the 1978 world cup - Argentina vs The Netherlands! Also, keep in mind that a European team has never won the world cup when it has been played outside of Europe. Lastly, I only care for one thing - that England doesn't get their act together and win it!
Oh, forgot to mention something about stability in war torn nations when World cup comes around. Didier Drogba, captain and star of Cote D'Ivoire made a nationally televised speech for calm in his home nation a few nights back. Supposedly this has worked (for now). Of course this has happened before in Africa, notable in Sierra Leone a few years back during the African Nations Cup. Why is it people can be united nationally to support their country in soccer, but use regional and ethnic ties when it comes to politics? Interestingly Drogba wants to run for office when he retires from playing for Chelsea in a few years. He probably will win a presidency race, just as former World soccer player of the year George Weah did in Liberia. Not too sure how that worked out in the end, probably should have checked that out before running my bloggers mouth tonight :-) Late y'all!
...What happened to France and Germany!?
right? and if Algeria beets us, its official!
ReplyDeleteNo way Algeria's beating us. Unless, of course, the refs fix it again. Zing!
ReplyDeleteSerbia beating Germany isn't that big an upset, nor is Mexico beating France (the present French team is way over rated, and old!) The biggest upset by far to date was Switzerland humbling reigning European champions Spain. I have to say, it has been a disappointing World cup so far. Far to many empty seats in stadiums, officiating has been awful, standard of play has been very defensive and therefor quite boring, and Scotland aren't there :-( Too early to give a prediction on who is going to win, but I would say a quite intriguing final would be a repeat of the 1978 world cup - Argentina vs The Netherlands! Also, keep in mind that a European team has never won the world cup when it has been played outside of Europe. Lastly, I only care for one thing - that England doesn't get their act together and win it!
ReplyDeleteOh, forgot to mention something about stability in war torn nations when World cup comes around. Didier Drogba, captain and star of Cote D'Ivoire made a nationally televised speech for calm in his home nation a few nights back. Supposedly this has worked (for now). Of course this has happened before in Africa, notable in Sierra Leone a few years back during the African Nations Cup. Why is it people can be united nationally to support their country in soccer, but use regional and ethnic ties when it comes to politics? Interestingly Drogba wants to run for office when he retires from playing for Chelsea in a few years. He probably will win a presidency race, just as former World soccer player of the year George Weah did in Liberia. Not too sure how that worked out in the end, probably should have checked that out before running my bloggers mouth tonight :-) Late y'all!
ReplyDelete