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Teen Titans

The FIFA U-2O World Cup—a fan’s primer By Liam Casey

The FIFA U-20 World Cup is now in full swing—don’t count Canada out just yet—but navigating the seas of competing fans can be treacherous. Just like matadors never show up to a bullfight wearing red, you don’t want to show up at a Brazilian boîte in Argentine colours. Here, a guide to which jersey to sport, as well as where to watch and what to scream at the TV.

Team Where to watch What to wear The native cheer Back story
Brazil
Cervejaria Downtown Bar & Grill (842 College St.) is right on the strip shut down by throngs of fans after Brazil captured the 2002 World Cup. #10, Zico. Stand out from the Pelé jerseys with a nod to this ’80s superstar. “Eu sou Brasileiro / com muito orgulho / com muito amor!” (Translation: “I am Brazilian / with much pride / with much love!”) Brazil has won four world youth championships, second only to rival Argentina.
Portugal
With Italy not qualifying for the U-20 tourney, the Portuguese community will take over Italian standby Café Diplomatico (594 College St.), as well as every other joint on College and Dundas streets. #7, Luis Figo. While the kids will be sporting Cristiano Ronaldo jerseys, stick with this classic—Figo is Portugal’s all-time leader in goals. “Portugal Allez!” (Translation: Go Portugal!) While Portugal has never won a major men’s tournament, they have twice captured the youth championship—in 1989 and 1991.
Canada
King West has become the unofficial home of the Toronto FC before, during and after MLS games. Watch at a Toronto institution, the Wheat Sheaf (667 King St. W.), and stick around for the flood of fans from BMO Field. #1, Craig Forrest. Unfortunately, you’d have more luck stumbling upon a sasquatch than discovering this jersey on a rack. “Hoo-ha, Canada / Say hoo-ha, Canada!” (Inevitably, however, it turns into “Go, Leafs, go!”) Nineteen-year-old David Edgar is also plying his trade as a defender for Newcastle in the English Premiership.
Argentina
Take in the perennial youth favourites at Sky Ranch (2473 Dufferin St.). To fully embody the local spirit, dig into some authentic Argentine beef after a victory. #9, Gabriel Batistuta. Ditch the played-out Maradona jersey in favour of the one worn by this prolific goal scorer, nicknamed “Batigol.” “Vamos vamos, Argentina / Vamos vamos, a ganar / Que esta barra, quilombera / No te deja no te deja de alentar.” (Translation: “Let’s go Argentina / Let’s go win / This passionate group of fans / Won’t ever stop cheering for you.”) Lionel Messi, the 20-year-old wunderkind that led Argentina to victory in 2005, is no longer on the roster—he’s graduated to the men’s team.
Republic of Korea
Frenzied Korean soccer fans now rival the best in the world. Join them at Bar Baba (670 Bloor St. W.). #19, Ahn Jung-Hwan. Became a legend by scoring the winner in an upset over Italy in 2002. “Hey Komingo!” (translation: “Be the Reds!”). The team boasts the most World Cup appearances by an Asian country.
USA
What better way to celebrate America than by having a pint of Coors Light at Shoeless Joe’s (1189 King St. W.), a sports bar named for the infamous baseball legend. #22, Alexi Lalas. Impersonate the man himself by growing a bushy goatee and donning a long, red wig. Lalas is also David Beckham’s new boss in Los Angeles. “Our legs shall never tire / Our hearts will see us through / Goals, goals, goals / For the red, white and blue!” (After a few Silver Bullets, switch to the simpler “USA! USA! USA!”) Eighteen-year-old captain Freddy Adu has played in two tournaments already—the first as a 14-year-old.
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Originally published July 2007

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