Ultimate Interviews - Mama Bear.

We've learned a lot over the past month.

As the Final approaches on Sunday, it's time for an interview round-up.  We'll be hearing from each of our World Cup correspondents ONE LAST TIME in a segment I toyed with calling The Closing Statement, but there are way too many Law & Order shows out there for me to be comfortable with the judicial reference.

I sent each of my blog-helpers the same ten-questionnaire, through which I hope to discover the true essence of World Cup 2010.  That, or this is a lazy, literary gimmick.

MAMA BEAR:  THE ULTIMATE INTERVIEW

Eating my words.

What is a man supposed to do when someone he hates with all his heart suddenly does something wonderful?

I've got my crack team of Portuguese translators (read: one Brazilian) working on the subtleties of the article I'm about to post below, but the most salient paraquotephrase is this, a response to a question about the recent ratification of a law to legalize gay marriage in Portugal:

"The Portuguese man that I am, I try to keep informed about what is happening in my country.  I know the law was passed and the comment it deserves is that we must respect the choices made by anyone, because, after all, all citizens should have the exact same rights and responsibilities." - Cristiano Ronaldo


I've really got to hand it to you.  As arguably the world's most famous athlete, this is an extremely progressive thing to say.  The tone is slightly passive, but still, it's a hell of a lot more than any American superstar has ever done.  Ultimately, I don't think this changes my opinion on your style of play, but it sure as fuck makes me think a lot more of you as a person.

Thank you for this, Cristiano.  Seriously.  Thank you.

-ZGS

PS:  Paraquotephrase stolen from here.

Nemeses: Cristiano Ronaldo

Before I say anything else, I will admit, up front, that Cristiano Ronaldo is very good at soccer.  This is not a rant about his legitimacy as a world class talent, nor is this a rant about how his weakness in certain areas devalues him as a player.  If he were a marginal footballer, I obviously wouldn't feel as strongly about the man as I do.

So, before we begin, let's get one thing clear:  I'm not here to say that Cristiano Ronaldo sucks.  This goes so far beyond anything as simple as that.

WHY CRISTIANO RONALDO IS RUINING SOCCER