Learn these phrases to fake soccer fandom and join any conversation about the World Cup
T his year’s FIFA World Cup in Qatar is the first edition to be held in winter. But despite the unusual scheduling, it’s still attracting huge interest from around the world.
Even in China, despite strict Covid-19 prevention policies and China’s national team failing to qualify for the quadrennial tournament (again), fans are still glued to their TV screens when matches are on. Social media is full of comments on this once-every-four-years event: memes about Argentina’s latest shocking loss, Cristiano Ronaldo’s good looks, and the lack of mask-wearing among the crowd. For those who don’t follow soccer, it’s easy to feel left out.
But don’t worry: as social animals, there’s always the option of faking it to gain acceptance from the tribe. With these simple tips below, you, too, can feign interest and find opportunity to join the soccer talk, even if you can’t tell Neymar from Bruno Fernandes, or struggle with the offside rule.
Be sorry for a team that has left; any team
The World Cup is always full of tears as teams who have waited four years for a chance at glory get eliminated, and tears are a bonding experience. Even if you are not a real fan, it’s not hard to post a heartfelt farewell message on social media. Try this strategy when it comes to the elimination stage. For example:
Sun Jiahui is a freelance writer and former editor at The World of Chinese. She writes about Chinese language, society and culture, and is especially passionate about sharing stories of China's ancient past with a wider audience. She has been writing for TWOC for over six years, and pens the Choice Chengyu column.
