Country: Spain
Who: Fernando Polanco,
postgraduate in Chemical Engineering

Expectations: “Two years ago we won the European Championship, so I expect us to win the World Cup as well.” However, considering their achievements in previous World Cups, Fernando is a little reluctant. “We are always in the top five of favorites, but we have never won the World Cup.” He’s not really worried about Spain’s group members Honduras, Switzerland, and Chili, but expects any matches against Brazil or Argentina to end up being real nail biters.

Spain’s strength? “Fernando Torres (forward, ed.). Unfortunately, he may not play due to an injury.”

Any weaknesses? “Our height! We are too short, and weak, at least physically. Our technique is strong though, compared to other countries like Italy.

Soccer trauma? “We are always one of the favorites going in, but it’s exit Spain every time we get to the quarter finals. And each time we keep our heads high and expect to win next time.”

How would you rate Spain’s soccer madness? “On a scale of 1 to 10, it’s a 10. Some people would rather spend their money on a match than on food.”

This is what you sing when cheering on Spain: “España!” (clap clap clap). Repeat ad nauseam. There are also specific cheers for certain players, like forward David Villa: “Illa illa illa, Villa Maravilla” (Miracle Villa), and “El Niño Torres”. Torres made his soccer debut at Real Madrid when he was only 17, and at 25 supporters still lovingly call him ‘niño’ (kid).

Essential supporter paraphernalia: scarf, T-shirt and a flag painted on your face.
Mama Polanco’s match menu: beer, chips, popcorn and sometimes even Spanish jamón.

Country: the Netherlands, also known as ‘Oranje’
Who: Marieke Steenbeeke, Architecture premaster

Expectations: “I think we’ll end up being group winner, but we’ll face a tough game if paired up against Brazil or Argentina after that. Whatever happens, FC Twente’s recent victory has put me in a winning mood - Twente’s where I’m from”, Marieke says smiling.

Strength: “I play in a forward position myself on Pusphaira, the women’s student socces team, so I am especially focused on offense: Van Persie.”

Weakness: “Defense and our fear of penalties. The latter might result in pressure if the time comes, because we have this lingering trauma.”

National soccer trauma: “Penalties. The old line-up always botched that up. By now, almost all of them have been replaced, and I think this new batch of players is up for it. Van Persie will score surely.”

How do you rate the Dutch soccer craze? “It has been commercialized to the extreme, but everyone loves it. Supermarkets have all kinds of World Cup collectibles, and although we don’t usually care for these things, anything goes as long as it has to do with Oranje.”

What to sing to cheer on Holland? “Hup, Holland, hup, laat de leeuw niet in zijn hemdje staan”, or “Nederland, oh Nederland, jij bent de kampioen, wij houden van Oranje, om zijn daden en zijn doen”. Or if any of those songs prove to be too challenging, “Holland!” -clap clap clap- will do fine.”

Essential supporters’ paraphernalia: “An orange T-shirt for sure, a horn, flags on your cheeks and optionally, a lion’s costume for diehard fans.”

What’s on the menu? “Beer, chips and bitterballen (fried, bite-sized breaded ragout balls).”

Country: South Korea
Who: Young-Joon Choi,
PhD student Mechanical Engineering

Expectations: “South Korea wants to at least get into the quarter finals. Our team is not doing that well at the moment. We did win a friendly match against Japan with 2-0, though.”

Strength: “Our players’ tireless running for ninety minutes on end. It resembles the Dutch technique: chasing the ball, going forward on the wings. Guus Hiddink taught us that. When we lost 5-0 to the Netherlands at the 1998 World Cup, we figured we must hire this coach. And then there is former PSV player Ji-Sung Park. He is a top scorer.”

Weakness: “Defense.”

National soccer trauma: “Losing to Japan. From 1910 through 1945 Korea was oppressed by Japan. Although our relations are fine now, it can still get slightly complicated on an emotional level. It’s at sporting events like this one that old sentiments tend to return. It is probably comparable to the situation between the Netherlands and Germany.”

How would you rate South Korea’s soccer madness? “Soccer comes in third or fourth, after baseball, figure skating and golf. But they are sure to watch the World Cup.”

What to sing to cheer on South Korea? “Dae-Han-Min-Guk” - clap five times, and repeat. Dae-Han-Min-Guk is the formal name of Korea.

Essential supporters’ items: a red T-shirt, Korean flags on your face. And if you’re a die hard, wear red devil’s horns.

What would the Chois typically eat during a soccer game? “We don’t have special soccer snacks - but there is beer.”

Country: Nigeria
Who: Chukwunoso Nwonye,
postgraduate Mathematics for Industry

Expectations: “I don’t expect too much from the Nigerian team; I don’t want to be disappointed. If they lose, I won’t be disappointed, and if they win, I will be extra happy.” Since Chukwunoso Nwonye is not too well-informed on the present state of his national squad, he’d rather not comment on its strengths and weaknesses, or make any predictions.

How would you rate soccer madness in Nigeria? “On average, every Nigerian is crazy about football. I’m an exception.”

What to sing while cheering Nigeria on to victory? “There are lots of different songs, all in pidgin English.”

Essential fan gear: “White-and-green clothes, a flag, a drum, and the ability to scream at the top of your lungs.”

What’s on the menu while the match is on? “Young people drink beer and strong wine. It’s mostly about the drinks, food is not that important. We have a lot of different brands of beer in Nigeria, most of them produced there: Star, Stout, Gulder, Harp and Heineken as well.”

Country: Brazil
Who: Alexandre Molina, postgraduate Chemical Engineering

Alexandre claims to be the only Brazilian who does not care for soccer and can’t play it. “I’m a lousy player. I tried when I was young, but I was the worst out of all of my friends. I was always the last person to be picked. I then started playing tennis, which I liked much better.” Nevertheless, Alexandre Molina took the time to talk to us about his national team and Brazilian football madness.

Expectations: “There are always high hopes for Brazil. After all, we’ve won the championship five times. But Brazil isn’t as good as it used to be. We lost to France in 2006 (quarter finals, ed.). I don’t know. I’d be happy to see The Netherlands win, by the way, because if Brazil wins, I’ll be celebrating on my own.”

Strength: “Kaká.” (short for Ricardo Izecson dos Santos Leite, ed.)

Weakness: “We suffer from an age-old problem: our players are too self-confident.” Big egos? “That’s right.”

National soccer trauma: “France, especially Zinedine Zidane. We lost the finals 3 to 1 in 1998, and in 2006 we did not make it through the quarter finals and lost 1-0. Zidane scored three out of France’s four goals.

How would you rate Brazil’s soccer madness? “People get time off work to watch the game. No joke. It’s our number one game.”

Whoever wants to support Brazil, sings: “Brasil, EEEôôô!” until everyone is fed up.

What to wear: Yellow and green.

What’s on the menu: beer, Caipirinha and fried manioc.