In this episode, Stephanie’s out (and has nothing to contribute) as Swedian and former guest of the podcast Kerri Na Basaria talk shop about the 2018 World Cup in Russia that’s going on right now. As die-hard football fans, we discussed the four nations left — France, Belgium, England, and Croatia — and predict who will make the final (we both want a France v. England final, because the history! and also so that they’ll finally get another World Cup).
But beyond our thoughts about these last few games, we also chatted about our personal histories and relationships to football, in particular how we have matured in our understanding of football and its relationship to the world — especially the World Cup’s complicated and often-times messy relationship to the world. We discuss the impact past World Cup has had on host countries, including the controversy over the displacement of indigenous communities during the 2014 World Cup in Brazil, as well as the headlines that followed this year’s World Cup, such as Mexico’s victory over Germany and its impact on the country’s presidential election, the declaration of contentious political identities in goal celebrations, and so on. We talk a lot about the politics of football, the politics of the World Cup, and how — as “responsible” football fans — it is our duty to love the beautiful game for what it is while also appreciating its impact (good, bad, and ugly) on the rest of the world.
Note: this podcast was recorded on Monday, 9th July 2018, before the semifinals between France & Belgium and England & Croatia.
Thanks for listening!
