"Football in Europe means soccer, Amy!" Yeah... That much I got.

I sometimes believe my European friends feel the need to remind me that "football" is the real term for what Americans call "soccer," JUST because I'm American. This is all despite the fact that I continuously and kindly remind them that - "I get it!" 

Before the season ended a month or so ago, I joined a few die-hard Bohemian fans to see my first Eurpoean "football" match here in Prague. I knew the team to root for wore green and white, so I made sure to sport a lime-green tee in order to compliment the signature green and white striped scarf a friend loaned me.

But aside from only knowing team colors, I was in for a major lesson on what it takes to be a true Bohemian fan.

If you want to get in with the cool kids: 

DO - Fill up on greesy foods like fried cheese and frech fries... Because it's gunna be a long night of heavy drinking. Beers before, during and after the game will do you in sooner rather than later if you don't fill your stomach with something to soak up the alcohol. 

DON'T - Be late... Plenty of fans have never missed a game so they really don't appreciate others who take matches so lightly as to walk in at the half. 

DO - Wear team colors! At least I got that one right. You'll really stick out sorely if you don't.

DON'T - Take pictures. You'll really stick out sorely if you do.

DO - Wear a raincoat, even in summer! If the ref makes a bad call or the other team scores, you can be sure beer cups will go flying...

DON'T - Plan on sitting even if you've got a seat! True fans stand... The entire game...

DO - Learn the chants! There's nothing more uniting than a whole stadium of fans chanting "Bílý! Zelený! Bílý! Zelený!" (Green! White! Green! White!) in unison. If your Czech is not so good, "Ole, ole" is pretty standard anywhere you go.

But most importantly - have fun! Though when you're in good company, it's pretty hard not to...

Comments

Posted on 1/26/2010 by

Mary Smith

Do they have cheerleaders? LOL

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