EURO Cup Scoring Goals in Toronto Neighbourhoods

euro cup 2008 toronto
EURO2008 started last Saturday, and the tournament is now approaching the half way point of round one. Things are starting to get spicy, and many surprises may still happen yet.

One of my favourite things about living in Toronto is the way this city's ethnic neighbourhoods come to life when international sporting events happen around the world. Futbol tournaments tend to stand out in particular, since it's the most worldly of sports.

200806012_futbol2.jpgThe best thing about following the EURO2008 tournament from within our mutlicultural Toronto is that it doesn't really matter who wins - the city always wins with awesome street parties. It's so much fun going to different parts of town to rejoice with fans after a team wins (whether you happen to be from the country that reigns supreme, or you just love to join in for the pure pleasure of watching the celebrations with flags and horns).

I'm going all in for Spain (since my grandmother was Spanish). They have a strong team and I believe they have what it takes to take the cup home.

Who are you rooting for? Where is your favourite place to watch games?

If you haven't already, check out the official EURO2008 site. They did a great job this time, adding several great features to keep your fan-hunger tamed.

Photos by Tanja-Tiziana Burdi and Somewhere in Toronto respectively.

Reader Reviews and Comments

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Dutch fans come together at Betty's on the north side of King just east of Sherbourne. where do all you germans, french etc. get together? we all know where to find italian and portuguese supporters but it would be nice to know if the other countries fans get together in one area. the first time i went to betty's i was amazed - i had never seen so many orange jerseys in person.

Posted by: oranje at June 12, 2008 3:23 PM

I bleed Oranje.

(I'll see you at Betty's on Friday.)

Posted by: Sameer Vasta at June 12, 2008 3:32 PM

I'm rooting for Spain too, Carlos. Not because my grandmother is Spanish though, but rather because I like tempranillo from Rioja :P

Posted by: Jerrold at June 12, 2008 3:42 PM

Hahaha, i think i just found a new reason to cheer for Spain

The Madison is a good place to go watch games, usually busy with international students who are futbol fans

Posted by: Carlos at June 12, 2008 4:02 PM

Forza Italia!

Posted by: Katie at June 12, 2008 4:03 PM

There is nothing more utterly annoying than Portuguese and Italian Football fans.

Posted by: Doug at June 12, 2008 4:18 PM

Ah, international sports. The sports team from your country is better than the sports team from another country. And therefore you are better, somehow.

Posted by: Frank at June 12, 2008 4:34 PM

Editor's note: a comment that contained insulting and stereotpying of specific ethnicities has been removed.

Posted by: Jerrold at June 12, 2008 5:04 PM

viva la France!

Posted by: canuck [TypeKey Profile Page] at June 12, 2008 5:13 PM

@Frank - Haha, sometimes in Latin America economies depend on how their teams are doing in soccer.

People have a lot of passion for this sport, thats why fans can get annoying sometimes, but i think it's good to see some rowdiness in Toronto sometimes, as long as it doesn't get aggressive.

Posted by: Carlos at June 12, 2008 5:14 PM

Go Germany Go!

Where are the German fans meeting up to watch matches?

Posted by: mishka at June 12, 2008 10:28 PM

Hey, i am a huge fan for spain. Anyone know what is the best bar or area to watch the game???Please recommend!!!

Posted by: Dan at June 12, 2008 10:43 PM

I went around the city and photographed fans of every country in the 2006 world cup. If you want to check out a place to watch the game I listed the location of each photos is the caption info. Spain is third one in from the top left. Check it out: http://josephmichael.ca/photoj/worldcup/index.html

Posted by: joseph at June 13, 2008 12:02 PM

Thats a great project you made Joseph!
Thanks for the link

Posted by: Carlos at June 13, 2008 1:10 PM

Hup Holland Hup!... Looks like I'm going to have to stream it from work...

Posted by: Freddie at June 13, 2008 1:41 PM

I'm not a soccer fan or a sports fan for that matter; I've never waved the flag of my roots (Italy) here in Toronto for as much as I'm obsessed with it and more knowledged on it than most so-called Italians here these days. What I've been exposed to this year that's been hard to swallow, and has never struck me odd before, are the comments that just cross the line from being related to soccer but instead might reveal an unwarranted hatred against my culture or me personally.

So people please tone it down with comments like this:
1. "I want to see the Italians destroyed." Uh ok
2. (i) "I want the Italian to lose really, really bad."
2 (ii)..."I just hate *them*"
3. "Italians suck."
4. "I just want to see them out [ie. nuisance]; instead I want to see ____ and _____ play"

It's comments like these that really make me question my place in this whitewashed Anglo culture.

Posted by: Equalizer101 at June 14, 2008 9:32 AM

Hi there...looking for a place to watch the Russia game on Thursday with some Russian fans??? Any suggestions...

Posted by: Lee R at June 22, 2008 4:45 PM

Yes! Spain won today!!!
I went to Plaza Flamingo on 423 College St. (College & Bathurst)
Theres very good Spanish atmosphere,overpriced beer but good home Spanish food. I will probably go there next week too.

@Lee R - i'll try to find out where is good to watch the game with Russian fan base. Haha i don't think you want ot come to Plaza Flamingo :P

Posted by: Carlos at June 22, 2008 8:28 PM

Thanks Carlos, and good luck on Thursday.

Posted by: Lee R at June 23, 2008 11:09 AM

@joseph
your pictures are absolutely beautiful and incredibly inspiring.
and it just made me fall in love with toronto even more so i thank you for that :)
@carlos, where is "the madison?" and is it a restaurant or what? thanks.

Posted by: lucy at June 25, 2008 1:06 PM

@ Lucy
The Madison Pub is on Madison St, just one st east on bloor and spadina on the north side
Have fun!
http://www.madisonavenuepub.com/aboutus.html

Who will win today? Germany? Turkey?

Posted by: Carlos at June 25, 2008 1:51 PM

Has anyone been to The Main Event? I want to go with friends to see the final, is it any good?

Posted by: Agnes at June 27, 2008 9:50 PM

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