Who’s Your Team in the World Cup?
by Brian DiedrickHey, whether you like it or not, soccer is the world’s game (we like it). And in case you hadn’t noticed, most of this city’s cabbies come from places other than, say, Bushwick, or Woodside. In fact, a lot of them come from places where soccer is just about as important as water.
GEORGE
Where I hailed him: Murray Hill
Where he hails from: Ghana
Years as a cabbie: 5
Previous profession: Mechanic
I want my country, of course. Ghana! No, they don’t have a chance, though, because Italy and the Czech Republic — those are big teams. But you can’t always say in football until the match is over. This is the World Cup. Everyone is a good team. I’ve only watched one game, though. When I go home I just want to sleep. I don’t have time.
HARINDER
Where I hailed him: East Village
Where he hails from: India
Years as a cabbie: 26
Previous profession: Clerical work
This time, I am rooting for the Germans. What reason? Well, only that I have seen two of their games, and they seem to be a team that is capable of going far. I also like the Germans as England’s traditional enemy. Ha! Yes. I despise the English. Every four years, they are so confident. Every four years, they’re a failure. It serves them right. Do you remember Maradona? Ah, yes? The England killer? The hand of God goal? Do you remember? Maradona scores the goal with his hand, and the referee lets it stand. And he says, “This was not my hand that scored, it was the hand of God!” And the English, they still cry it’s unfair! Ha! I suggest they consider their history with India before they complain about ‘unfair!’
SYED
Where I hailed him: Midtown East
Where he hails from: Pakistan
Years as a cabbie: 10
Previous profession: Railway worker
I like Spain this year. But I don’t follow soccer a lot. In my country, it’s mainly cricket we love. What do I think about Iran? Why should I care about Iran? You think because Pakistan has a bomb, I’d like Iran to have a bomb? Is that it? I’m an American. This means I root for whoever I want.
MFANA
Where I hailed him: Upper East Side
Where he hails from: South Africa
Years as a cabbie: 4
Previous profession: Student
Anybody but Brazil! They win it too much. They’ve got great players and all, but it’s time to give someone else a turn. Sure, I’d love to see an African team win, but do you really see that happening? Me neither. South Korea would be a revolution, huh? They’ve looked good so far. Australia would be fun to see go far too.
