Lula sez: "I've never been so disgusted"

What might this be? Some internal corruption scandal? Another horrific mass murder in the favelas? Some foreign president insulting his country?

No, it's soccer.

Aguero and Messi celebrate Kun's first goal

Argentina beat Brazil 3-0 in the Olympic semifinals yesterday, and President Lula was absolutely spitting mad with his team. I quote (translated), "I've never been so upset. I was left disgusted....It's embarrassing to lose like that against Argentina". Y'see, it's not just cos Brazil lost but it was the way they lost, with a 3-0 scoreline, no heart for the comeback and two red cards near the end.

Meanwhile, Argentina hardly cares if it wins or loses the final match against Nigeria. Beating Brazil so emphatically means so much more to them in the great scheme of things, and the mails from Argentine pals today were nothing less than euphoric.

The subject of this post might seem lightweight to you, dearest kindest reader. However I disagree. Before coming even close to any fair understanding of the Latin American way of life, you have to understand what futbol is and what it means. You might think Lula was exaggerating with his comments and other issues of state count as far more important. I don't. El Futbol isn't just a sideshow down here.

¡Vamos Argentina Carajooooooo!