ENCHANTING TIME
While most fans simply call out the name of their country, from Chile’s “Chi-chi-chi Le-le-le” to Germany’s “Deutschland, Deutschland,” some have been more creative, celebrating their teams while poking fun at their rivals. The trick is to be cheeky witho
I AM BRAZILIAN
Besides their deafening rendition of the national anthem, Brazil fans haven’t really used the home advantage to out-sing opposing fans. One exception is when they together sing “I am Brazilian, with a lot of pride and a lot of love.” The song was written 65 years ago by a Brazilian high school teacher for a match between his students and those from Germany.
BRAZIL, HOW DOES IT FEEL?
Neighbouring Argentine fans came up with one specifically for this World Cup. Set to a tune that sounds like Creedence Clearwater Revival’s Bad Moon Rising, the song taunts Brazil how it feels “to have daddy in your house”. It implies that Argentina is the greater of the two football powers (despite Brazil’s 5-2 edge in titles) and ends with the claim “Maradona is greater than Pele”.
MEXICO’S GOAL-KICK SLUR
The one-word chant Mexican fans shout during goal kicks has just one purpose, to taunt the rival goalkeeper. The two-syllable word literally means male prostitute but has various interpretations in Spanish. After the chant was heard at Mexico’s games in Brazil, Fifa opened a disciplinary case against the Mexican federation but didn’t take any action. Irked by the probe, the fans began chanting the name of the competitor to an official sponsor.
I BELIEVE WE WILL WIN!
Shouted by fans in various sports in the US, this straightforward chant has become the anthem of USA fans in Brazil. It’s been promoted by ESPN and the American Outlaws supporters group and has been very loud at the World Cup grounds when the US is playing. The message may be plain, but it becomes infectious, particularly when accompanied by the samba drums. And it’s given USA fans an alternative to the basic “U-S-A, U-S-A” chant.
TWO WARS, ONE CUP
Sung to the tune of the comic song Camptown Races, ‘Two World Wars and one World Cup’ is a chant which alludes to England’s 20th century battlefield victories over Germany but ignores its war allies and the humbling fact that England hasn’t won any major title since the 1966 World Cup. The irony of the song is that the chief reason Germany cannot avenge its 1966 defeat is that England keep getting knocked out early.