Out in Front: The Tragic Heroism of Justin Fashanu
June 25, 2014
As Nigeria faces off against Argentina today, we pay tribute to Justin Fashanu, Nigerian-English striker and the first openly gay professional footballer. Born in inner-city London to immigrant parents, he enjoyed a successful career in English club soccer, being the first black player to command a transfer fee of 1 million pounds. Fashanu came out…
The People’s Game Podcast #13 – 6/24/14
June 25, 2014On today’s podcast, we take on the politics of food – specifically, Luis Suarez’s choice of snack in the 80th minute of the Uruguay-Italy match. Alan and Meleiza discuss today’s bizarre events. Then, we speak with David Goldblatt, soccer historian and author of Futebol Nation: The Story of Brazil through Soccer. Next, People’s Game correspondent…
Drogba the Peacemaker
June 24, 2014As Ivory Coast kicks off against Greece, we cheer on Didier Drogba, the footballer who ended a war. After qualifying for the 2006 World Cup, Drogba and his teammates appealed to their fellow citizens to lay down their guns after 5 years of civil war. A ceasefire was soon called, and Drogba became a hero…
The People’s Game Podcast #12 – 6/23/14
June 24, 2014On today’s podcast, we focus on Mexico and the Netherlands, whose victories today mean they will face off against each other in the Round of 16. Alan and Meleiza recap Holland’s win, as well as El Tri’s ecstatic victory and how the rise of CONCACAF may reflect on Europe’s dominance of the game, and give…
Futbol y Libertad: Banksy, Inter Milan, and the Zapatistas
June 24, 2014Today we celebrate Mexico’s triumph on the field by honoring its rebel side: the famed EZLN FC. In 2005, Subcomandante Marcos challenged world-class Italian club team Internazionale Milan to a friendly match, as a gesture of appreciation for the solidarity and support given to the Zapatistas by the club – especially from its captain, the…
The People’s Game Podcast #11 – 6/22/14
June 23, 2014The People’s Game Podcast #10 – 6/21/14
June 22, 2014Another day of brilliant World Cup games! People’s Game resident Argentinian Karen Anzoategui relives the glory of St. Leo’s sublime goal that secured his canonization and victory in the 91st minute. Then, KPFK’s DJ Nnamdi revels in Nigeria’s victory over Bosnia; solace for a crisis-striken nation. Alan and Meleiza recap the day’s matches, including a…
Argentinian Heroes: Maradona and Che
June 21, 2014Talk about wearing your politics on your sleeve! As Argentina kicks off against Iran, we pay tribute to arguably the two most famous Argentines in history: the revolutionary fighter Che Guevara, and the revolutionary footballer, Diego Maradona. Maradona, who is currently a World Cup commentator for left-wing media network Telesur, is perhaps as famous for…
The People’s Game Podcast #9 – 6/20/14
June 20, 2014On today’s podcast, Alan and Meleiza recap today’s games, including Costa Rica’s impressive upset of the Azzuri, and look forward to tomorrow’s matchups. KPFK’s Suzi Weissman gives us a view from the South, as she sits down for a chat with two Chileans, Arturo Cifuentes and Oscar Mendoza, as well as Brazilian economist Pedro Paulo…
Calcio e Autonomia!
June 20, 2014On a day when the Azzuri play, we give a shoutout to the left-wing ultras of Associazione Sportiva Livorno Calcio, whose fan culture reflects the great tradition of Italian Communist autonomism. Striker Cristiano Lucarelli, who hails from Livorno and played on the Italian national team, famously walked away from a career at top-flight club Torino,…