Greetings Kankas and Kankies.
Further to Oz Kanka's recent blog `DOES ANYONE READ THIS BLOG`, I thought it was time to open up some conversation on the subject of South American footie. I can't believe that there is a `disconnect` between our continents. After all, if you check your history books you can discover that it was the British Expats who took footie to Argentina many moons ago and some of the teams there still have their original English names.
As I see it, most Europeans don't follow league footie in South America and only get excited when their particular country is playing a South American International team. Is it the distance factor or perhaps a lack of reporting by the sports press which is the problem ?
Looking at the statistics of South American footie one can't help being impressed. It is true that South America and Europe have held their own in all the World Cups since its inception in 1930 with honours about even. Of course we all know that there have only been 3 winners from South American, ie, Uruguay, Brasil and Argentina, and you don't need me to expand on the successes of Brasil.
However, if we look at the statistics in the World Club Championship a different picture emerges. The South Americans are ahead in this competition and they have taken the scalp of some of the giants of Euro footie, eg, AC Milan, Benfica, Liverpool, etc.
Penarol of Uruguay have won it 5 times and Independiente of Argentina have won it 6 times. Other successful teams which have won it a few times include Estudiantes of Argentina, Sao Paulo and Santos of Brasil.
It is interesting to note that as of today, Sao Paulo are sitting at the top of the Brasilian League with Santos tucked in behind in 2nd place !
I don't know what we can do to remedy the situation of apparent lack of contact between the two continents, but if this blog can help bridge the gap then so much the better.
Calling South America ! Let's hear from you !!
All the best from Eski Kanka Jim
The Round Ball in Ankara! Dedicated to football lovers in Ankara (Except for those who follow Osmanlispor)
There is nothing noone can do, we have the best football in the world, period.
ReplyDeleteTeoph, from Brazil
Flamengo's Fan.
Looks like it worked Sir Eski!
ReplyDeleteGood to hear from you Teoph `anonymous`, and I agree that your clubs are very strong.
ReplyDeleteHowever, I notice that your club, Flamengo, is sitting 4th bottom in the league and getting sucked into the relegation zone !!!
I hope you enjoy reading about footie in Ankara and that you will visit our site regularly with your comments.