Goldfinger,
I do not know what made you write the post I am responding to, but thank you for the compliments and nice words.
I have enjoyed a lot participating in this thread, I guess what motivated is my love for sports, it has been in my family for a long time. I respect sportsmanship and I love competition, and I do not have a single problem recognizing skill when I see it, in the end, that is really what I enjoy the best, be that in soccer or in any other sport.
Suffice it to say that my father competed in the Olympic games some time ago, so did my brother, my niece has been a thri-athlon champ. for several years, and at one point I was competitive in a different sport (other than soccer). As for my nationality.... well no, I am not Argentinean, nor I have Argentinean descent. However, one of my ancestors, (in the mid 1800's) was killed in a duel (over ladies matter, at least that makes it more romantic)... in Tucum n in Argentina.
I do not know if I should take your suggestion of being Argentinean as a compliment or as a mere short-sight on your part.... he, he, he... Next time an Argentinean gives me a hard time, I will tell him or her, that I have been taken as an Argentinean.
I have never been to the place, although I have great curiosity and interest for Argentina and Chile soon I will visit them and find out more about those two countries.
As for Argentina losing, yes that was a disappointment, but hey! The Dutch had a higher desire to win... and in the end they scored more goals than Argentina, so they are in.
I wanted to see a match between Argentina and Brazil, those games are always epic, and this semifinal would have been no less, but now we have Holland -vs- Brazil, no doubt it will be a great game.
As for the Penalty kicks, I agree with you, I despise them, but unless they have an endless (until someone scores), extra time, (for the final it would be justified I guess), what else can you do.
In a way, the Penalty kicks is another way of demonstrating one's skill and temperance in controlling one's emotions, nerves, etc. But no question about it I would rather see a victory within play time, I believe we will not see PK's this time around.
I do not feel I have a specific nationality really, as I consider such things an artificial division of us humans by the politicians.
As we progress and our technology advances and become a true ONE SINGLE WORLD ECONOMY, I believe that such nationless world will become a reality, perhaps I am a little early for a wider acceptance of such idea, then again, look at Europe, they are really trying to make it a "single Europe". So perhaps my idea is not all that far off the mark. Just give it some time.
If you want a definition of myself, the best I can say is that I embrace Libertarian ideas. (As in Laissez Faire Capitalism.)
I have a great distrust of Politicians, Religion and leaders in general, I believe in the Individual. The original leaders of the United States were able to create an environment in which the individual, based on his or her own effort can advance as far as he/she wants.
Such Laissez Faire Capitalism (in the US), has been severely weakened by a number of social welfare programs/ideas over the years in which success is punished, and stupidity is patronized, lately however the libertarian ideas seem to be coming back, although some in the current US Congress who "claim" to embrace Libertarian ideology,are really Religious [extremist/intolerant] wolves in Libertarian sheep skin....
I respect anybody that wants to believe in their god, or in their favorite deity... I do not care for any, and I do not have a problem with anybody doing so.... PROVIDED, that they do not push their agenda down mine or anybody else's throat... once that happens, then I have a BIG PROBLEM with that.
I believe that, the Vatican and really any form of organized religion is a great farse... (much like the British Royalty, we all know already what I think about that, no further details needed).
But all that said, it is an extensive topic that does not belong here.
Thanks again for the compliments, it is always nice to recieve them although I am sure some may not agree with you, then again we are not in a popularity contest!
As for me doing the entertaining, well that is only a partial thing as everyone that contributes does as much entertaining as the next guy/gal.
I must admit that your enthusiasm while obviously present still, it was moderated and civil in the later stages, as opposed to one character that we all know, that is now liking his wounded pride...
Nevertheless, while I wish you and your Dutch team luck, such will not suffice as Brazil will most probably meet France in the final match for the World Cup, however, Holland will beat Croatia for third place.... I guess that was a prediction.
Either way, I have had a lot of fun posting here in this World Cup 1998.
Best Regards.
Z.
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