“To be prepared for war is one of the most effectual means of preserving peace.”

There is a lot to cheer for in the 2010 World Cup, and even a little to laugh at. The revival of conflicts long since resolved is probably the most humorous part of watching the inaugural US vs England game – US fans quickly recall the Revolutionary War as the English pipe out Britannia Rules the Waves. Despite a troublesome beginning, we two nations have been allies since the middle of the 19th Century. Yet this happens with any “friendly” international competition – just think of the Olympics. Two nations get pitted against each other, and even if they’re friendly they canvas the history books for any hint of bad blood in the past, looking to relive the anger and bloodshed on a different kind of field. In this particular incident, I’m really surprised that at the end of the match the French didn’t come running onto the field and help score a goal or something.

Either way, it’s really interesting to see the players and coaches as a sort of international ambassadors. Think about how many conclusions we draw about a country based on how their teams act. 1980 Olympic Hockey Gold-medal match, anyone?. Too bad Zidane isn’t really France’s ambassador…

In the aftermath of this particular match, it seems the only conflict we have with England is how we spell “color” (or “colour”, if you’re of that persuasion).

Title quote is from George Washington’s First Annual Address to Congress, January 8, 1790.