Published: May 5, 2010

It seems that soccer has caught on as the most popular sport at Fordham Lincoln Center (FCLC). Not only is the school’s soccer team one of the best in their league and a potential championship team, but the school’s burgeoning international population has brought  pride and love of the sport to FCLC. All this passion is coming to a fever pitch with the beginning of the 2010 FIFA World Cup. Starting June 11, 32 of the world’s best soccer teams will meet in cities throughout South Africa to decide which country has the best team. With over 53,000 tickets sold within the first eight hours in which they were available, this year’s World Cup is looking to be one of the definitive sports events of the year, and Fordham students are excited.

Edlira Qatipi, FCLC ’10

The Observer: Will you be watching the World Cup this year?

Edlira Qatipi: Absolutely. I can’t wait. I’m so excited for it.

Observer: Who will you be rooting for?

EQ: Either Italy or Portugal, I’m not sure yet.

Observer: What do you think is so special about the World Cup?

EQ:  I grew up with a family where everyone watches it. I love the feelings it arises in fans. My uncle used to put me on his shoulders and parade around during the games. Also the neighborhood I live in is very much Italian so the fire hydrants and street poles were painted red green and white in 2006 when Italy won the World Cup.

Bonnie Wasserman,
Professor of Language

The Observer: Will you be watching the World Cup?

Bonnie Wasserman: Of course.

Observer: Which team will you be rooting for?

BW: Brazil. I love Brazil.

Observer: What do you think is so special about the World Cup?

BW: It’s great because it brings all these countries around the world together. It’s good with all the stuff going on in the world to have something that brings them all together.

Severio Sportella, FCLC ’11

The Observer: So will you be watching the World Cup?

Serverio Sportella: Oh my god yes! I can’t stop thinking about it.

Observer: So who will you be rooting for?

SS: Italy or the U.S.

Observer: What do you think is so special about the World Cup?

SS: I like that there’s so much at stake. Soccer is really important around the world and winning it is so important. Even the trophy has an eminence to it. Whoever wins gets a lot out of it. Also, you get to see a lot of interesting soccer matchups. Teams you would never expect to see on the same field are forced to play each other all the time in the Cup.

Xavier Bassez, FCLC ’11

The Observer: Are you a soccer fan?

Xavier Bassez: Not particularly. I’m more into American football.

Observer: So will you be watching the World Cup this year?

XB: Yes because there is more to it than just soccer. It’s exciting to follow a team.

Observer: Which team will you be rooting for?

XB: France!

Observer: What do you think makes the world cup such a big deal around the world?

XB: The World Cup involves the whole world, unlike most other “world champions” like the World Series, which only includes North America. Soccer as a sport is also accessible to every demographic–all you need is a ball.