Adrian Barich: why I have been captivated by World Cup fans, from Scotland to Norway
I will accept it. I underestimated the FIFA World Cup.
I know this sounds crazy when it’s the second largest sporting event in the world after the Olympics, but that’s just the way it is.
I guess I never quite understood the feeling.
I find it fascinating that for four weeks every four years, entire countries put aside their differences and unite behind a football team. People who normally cannot agree on anything suddenly find themselves singing the same songs, wearing the same colors and embracing people they have never met. If FIFA held a World Cup every year, I think the United Nations would have a lot less to do.
And to some extent it’s perhaps understandable that many West Australians don’t quite get it. We have never won the World Cup and we have no chance of winning it. It’s a bit like Eurovision; Australia is invited to the party but we know we won’t actually be able to take home the trophy.
The AFL is king here and probably always will be, to be honest. The Eagles and Dockers dominate the sports conversation. And probably more youngsters are dreaming of scoring the winning goal in the grand final rather than putting the goal in the old onion bag in the World Cup final.
This is where I will horrify all the traditionalists. I’ve always thought it would be great for football (or soccer, as Americans insist on calling it) if it had a slightly higher score.
Yes, I understand the tactical beauty of defensive play and the excitement of low-scoring thrillers, but I think the biggest reason no one changes the goal size is cost. Stadiums and venues around the world will require major renovations.
Anyway, putting that aside (all complaint emails will be received with characteristic Barra cheerfulness; expletives and threats of violence will not be tolerated), I found myself completely enthralled by the fans.
The atmosphere created by some nations was extraordinary.
In my opinion, Scotland easily ranks first.
The Scots have not qualified for the World Cup for 28 years and you can feel every bit of that longing, hope and pent-up emotions pouring out from their fans.
The scenes were spectacular when Scotland beat Haiti (ranked 83rd in the world) in Boston. Grown men cried. One Scottish supporter described it as the best day of his life.
The famous Tartan Army took over parts of Boston ahead of the game. There was skirts, overalls, singing, dancing, and enough beer consumption to cause concern among the locals.
Even rock legend Rod Stewart, whose father is Scottish, joined the trip. He canceled his concert due to illness before he had enough strength to fly to Boston on a private jet with his sons. It’s funny how exercise can cure what ails you.
Not far behind Scotland in my World Cup fan rankings are the Norwegians.
What a wonderful bunch of crazy people they are.
Norway qualified for the World Cup for the first time in 28 years and has fully embraced its Viking heritage.
First, there were fans in the stands doing synchronized “Viking rows.”
Then came images of hundreds of Norwegian fans taking over Boston’s South Station and rowing up the escalators in perfect formation.
It was weird, funny and absolutely wonderful.
The players also participated. Superstar Erling Haaland and his teammates posed for a dramatic photo shoot dressed as Vikings, complete with shields, guns and boats, against the backdrop of fjords.
It looked more like a How to Train Your Dragon tryout than a football team.
The Australians on tour also deserve honorable mention; Our fans represented us magnificently.
There was something special about listening to Advance Australia Fair ahead of the Socceroos’ match against Türkiye in Vancouver last week.
Maybe this was the opportunity. Maybe it was a sea of green and gold. Maybe it was seeing Australians gathering on the other side of the world to support their country.
No matter what, our National Anthem has never sounded this good.
Sports have a remarkable ability to make us feel connected to something bigger than ourselves. The real magic is often found in the stands.
It is seen in fathers and daughters traveling around the world together to watch their teams.
It is seen in fans who save money for years to attend a tournament.
Foreigners from different countries can be seen dancing together before the match and drinking afterwards.
A young Scottish fan summed it up perfectly after his country’s victory. He said he wasn’t sure what would happen next, but he was happy to be there, making memories with his father.
Here is the World Cup. That’s why I do sports. It’s about people.
It’s about pride. It’s about belonging.
The funny thing is, after watching Scotland, Norway and the Socceroos, I realized we’re not much different here in Western Australia. We just wear different colors.
Because if the Dockers make a grand final this season, there will be a Purple Army marching east like the Vikings. There will be songs sung louder than the Scots. There will be tears, hugs, and probably a few drinks thrown into the air. And after 30 years of waiting, everyone will be happy to be there. This is sport.
That’s why we love it.
