Football in Argentina

It is an accepted notion that British immigrants to Buenos Aires brought football (along with rugby and other sports) to Argentina in the 19th century.

Culture

Football plays an important part in the life of many Argentines. Even those supporters who usually do not attend to the matches watch them on television and comment them the next day with friends and coworkers. When it's the Argentina national football team playing, streets empty for teh duration of the match. After the victories in {{wc|1978}} and {{Wc|1986}}, streets flooded with people celebrating the championship, making it impossible not to become part of the celebration.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

It was in 1986 when the figure of Diego Maradona exploded, becoming an icon not only of Argentine football but of football itself. In Argentina, Maradona became something of a God, admired by fans of every club (even River Plate).

Related Topics:
1986 - Diego Maradona

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Many Argentine fans travel to see their teams in away matches. Hinchas (fans) create an emotional ambient in the stadiums, singing and cheering without pause; barra bravas (Argentine Hooligans) also create occasional problems, usually in riots after the match. Probably one of the most exciting matches in the world is the Boca-River Derby, where the colourful fans seem to become more important than the match itself.

Related Topics:
Hooligans - Boca-River Derby

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~