I made a momentous decision this weekend. I chose to support the Boca Juniors. If you’re unaware of how big soccer is down here, know that it’s not just a sport, but a way of life. Everyone has an opinion about it and a fanatical devotion to their chosen team. It’s great. No longer do goofy Americans make fun of me for being obsessed with the beautiful game. Down here locals find it refreshing that I can actually talk to them about soccer, and rattle off the starting lineup for Boca.
So why Boca, you ask? Well, Boca and River Plate are the two giants here in Buenos Aires, and River Plate is associated with the upper-class while Boca is associated with the poor working-class. I am poor. I identify with Boca. Besides, one of my favorite players currently plies his trade for Boca. Juan Román Riquelme is an attacking midfielder that has laser vision and can spray passes anywhere on the field. Check this out. If there’s one guy I’d love to model my play after it’s him. I can’t wait to see him live and in living color at La Bombonera.
There are two sports-related things that I promised myself I’d do down here. One was to see Argentina’s national team play, and the other was to see the derby at La Bombonera between Boca and River Plate. It’s regularly rated as one of the biggest and best rivalries on Earth. The entire city shuts down when it’s being played. I’m definitely going to find a way to go, and hopefully find a way not to get caught in the fan riots that usually come with the game.
I haven’t been able to get a ticket to a Boca home game just yet, but I have the schedule on my wall now so I’m going to get to one of them soon. I am now officially part of los xeneizes. Respect.
