Happy World Cup! The games have begun! To get ready for some friendly (and maybe not that friendly) competition we rounded up 20 odd Stockholmers from various participating countries to compare and contrast and to get the inside track on their respective country’s chances. Who do you agree with? Could it be a South American country’s year, or possibly a team that’s known for their classic technique such as Germany, or could a mediocre team surprise us all?!
ENGLAND
Marley Clifton
If you could bring one thing from England to Stockholm, what would it be?
An English country pub. It would be ideal as it holds the key to many of the things I miss about England – fish and chips, pie and mash, English ales and that special atmosphere that you can only find in a great British pub!
What is the one way in which Stockholm is superior to England?
There’s more than one unfortunately, but one of the most important is ecologically. Sweden generally is a little kinder to the environment. Having lived in both countries you can feel the difference in the quality of the air. Sweden is more environmentally conscious – more people cycle and recycle and there is more space and fewer people. That helps a lot!
How will England do in the World Cup?
It will be difficult to even get out of our group but I think we will. My prediction is quarter finals. That’s usually when we go out in World Cups!
…And who’s going to win it all?
It will be interesting to see if Ronaldo can take his outstanding club form to Brazil and carry his team to victory. Germany are always dangerous. They have fantastic technical players and good tournament experience, which goes a long way. But home advantage is huge and with gifted footballers to match I’m going to say Brazil.
USA (California)
Lance Ohrazda
If you could bring one thing from America to Stockholm, what would it be?
Smiles (would add sunshine and eye contact, but that would be three things).
What is the one way in which Stockholm is superior to the U.S.?
It is so safe here, and the bars are open past 2am.
How will the US do in the World Cup?
We will shock the world by beating Portugal, then we will get our revenge on Ghana for knocking us out of the last World Cup, draw with Germany since we have Klinsmann, and then not pass the next stage. Realistically, we lose all three matches in the group of death if I was to bet, ha ha. But we have a young team, and 2018 in Russia we’ll make it to the finals! Plus, we’ll do better than the silly Australians no matter what, even if we play with eight players on the field.
…And who’s going to win it all?
Germany wins it all! I love their style of play, while everyone else loves flashy play,Germany just plays as a skilled team and unit. Classic style wins it all versus flash and individual excellence.
AUSTRALIA (New South Wales)
Chris Pendlebury
If you could bring one thing from Australia to Stockholm, what would it be?
The beautiful sandy beaches, salty sea and the waves that lap the shore.
What is the one way where Stockholm is superior to Australia?
Stockholm caters for cyclists far better than where I am from. Here I can cycle efficiently to work everyday through the country’s capital city without feeling like my life is in danger. It is a very different story back home.
How will Australia do in the World Cup?
Considering that Australia is the lowest ranked team to qualify for the World Cup and we are grouped with the two finalists from the last one I’m not too optimistic about our chances. I’ll be giving them my full support in any case as we have a new coach with a positive style of play in mind and a young squad being groomed for future greatness. My hope is that we don’t embarrass ourselves, because if Spain and The Netherlands hit top form against us it could get very ugly.
…And who’s going to win it all?
Argentina look the goods for me, but one can’t discount a fairytale victory for Brazil on their home turf. There are several teams capable of winning it, but it will come down to who handles the pressure of the occasion best in my opinion.
ARGENTINA
Diego Curtino
If you could bring one thing from Argentina to Stockholm, what would it be?
I’d say not having to deal with Systembolaget.
What is the one way in which Stockholm is superior to Argentina?
Well…this is easy. Infrastructure, organization and public services.
How will your country do in the World Cup?
Really hard to tell. My expectations are high, at least to reach semi-finals. My hopes are not. I don’t see a solid team in defense and we have not won a World Cup for 28 years now. Everybody is looking forward to Messi and many, many things can be guessed, but no one knows. Is he going to be the player that made the world love him between 2007 and 2012 with his exquisite technique, dribbling and explosive start or is he going to be the detached and soulless player that everybody saw in the last few Barcelona games? For one reason or another, he has not had good World Cups. In 2006, he barely played as he was too young and in 2010 due to Maradona’s total lack of knowledge as to how to assemble a team, he got lost in an amorphous, erratic one. For the sake of our chances, I hope he is the one we all saw until 2012.
…And who’s going to win it all?
In this order: Germany, Brazil, Spain, Argentina.
BELGIUM
Sonia de Keyzer
If you could bring one thing from Belgium to Stockholm, what would it be?
The Saturday morning markets where you can buy fresh vegetables, fruit, olives, roasted chicken, flowers and of course… warm Belgian waffles!
What is the one way in which Stockholm is superior to Belgium?
It’s closeness to the water (lakes, sea). It’s efficient, safe and has 24-hour public transport.
How will Belgium do in the World Cup?
They will go to the quarter or semi-final of course! At least this is what I’m wishing!
…And who’s going to win it all?
Germany.
BRAZIL (Juazeiro do Norte)
Rafael Sousa
If you could bring one thing from Brazil to Stockholm, what would it be?
Açaí – a super-food berry used to make fruit bowls and smoothies.
What is the one way in which Stockholm is superior to Brazil?
Quality of life. No matter what your profession is, I somehow feel everyone can have a decent life here. The city is safe, full of culture and just amazing!
How will Brazil do in the World Cup?
I hope we are going to win the World Cup. The game is heading back home after a very long time – so why not be winners again while it’s within our borders?
…And who’s going to win it all?
Brazil, Brazil lalala
GREECE
Apostolos Baltzopoulos
If you could bring one thing from Greece to Stockholm, what would it be?
Depending on how broadly you want to define the word “thing”, I would say either my home country’s food culture in all its aspects as it’s something that I miss incredibly (and could fill a book talking about it), or simply a bottle of Vinsanto wine-liqueur from the volcanic island of Santorini that tops off almost any meal wonderfully.
What is the one way where Stockholm is superior to Greece?
This could also be a long list but I would say the great way the urban architecture in Stockholm is in almost perfect balance with nature and the various green areas, a stark opposite of the orderless manner in which concrete has taken over most major urban centres in Greece.
How will Greece do in the World Cup?
I think Greece will qualify to the second stage even if it won’t be easy. From that point on it will all depend on what the different match-ups look like. If I were to bet I would say we’ll reach the last eight!
…And who’s going to win it all?
I think Portugal is in pretty good shape and will be a strong contestant but I find it hard to believe that anyone will be able to beat Brazil on its home-turf. I bet with Brazil!
RUSSIA
Aliaksandr Bykau
If you could bring one thing from Russia to Stockholm, what would it be?
A figure of European bison made of straw.
What is the one way in which Stockholm is superior to Russia?
Ecology.
How will Russia do in the World Cup?
I think our team has no chance of showing any significant result.
…And who’s going to win it all?
In my opinion, it’s going to be Spain!
MEXICO
Igal Jusidman
If you could bring one thing from Mexico to Stockholm, what would it be?
Easygoingness or spontaneity – Stockholm is too stiff! You never get a surprise and everything is planned way in advance. Good Mexican food would be nice too!
What is the one way in which Stockholm is superior to Mexico?
There is not one similarity between Sweden and Mexico, they are each other’s negative! Whatever works well in Sweden sucks in Mexico and whatever shines in Mexico is dull in Sweden. If we could combine the good of Mexico with the best of Sweden we would find paradise! Is that thought too utopic?
How will Mexico do in the World Cup?
So-so, if we make it to the second phase I will be satisfied.
…And who’s going to win it all?
Brazil, remember the rule: When the tournament is in America an American team will win and in Europe a European. The only exception was in 1958 when Brazil won in Sweden, eight years after the Maracana tragedy.
GERMANY
Johannes Meyer
If you could bring one thing from Germany to Stockholm, what would it be?
People know how to ride bikes there, here they don’t. Sweden should start an exchange programme, I’d feel more secure.
Is there one particular way where Stockholm is superior to Germany?
Prices for coffee and beer. Definitely superior in numbers.
How will Germany do in the World Cup?
They’ll do okay, I guess. I read some weird stuff about how their training camp and the cities where the first two rounds are played in are hotspots for mosquitos who carry the Dengue fever. But maybe that’s going to make them play even more spectacular, who knows?
…And who do you think is going to win it all?
Germany’s team has so deserved it, all those players from the World Cup 2006 that are still on the team definitely have.
SOUTH KOREA
Haseok Lee
If you could bring one thing from South Korea to Stockholm, what would it be?
A more dynamic life. There are many places open 24/7.
Is there one particular way where Stockholm is superior to South Korea?
It’s so international. Almost everyone in Stockholm can speak English.
How will South Korea do in the World Cup?
Top 16.
And who do you think is going to win it all?
Spain.
ITALY
Gaetano Marrone
If you could bring one thing from Italy to Stockholm, what would it be?
I would definitively bring the food quality and food culture. In Stockholm food is still quite bad and overpriced and all the tourists who have come here have mentioned this.
Is there one particular way where Stockholm is superior to Italy?
I would not use the word “superior,” countries are different in many things and sometimes more advanced in some things but the world “superior” is a dangerous word. Stockholm is more advanced than Italy on the respect for the environment, for the families and civil rights in general.
How will Italy do in the World Cup?
Italy this year has a lot of new and young players so this time its World Cup results are quite unpredictable. I believe we will not go beyond the quarterfinals, in the best of hypothesis.
And who do you think is going to win it all?
I think Spain will win again, they are definitely the best.
URUGUAY
Leticia Alvarez Otero
If you could bring one thing from Uruguay to Stockholm, what would it be?
I really wish I could bring the custom of drinking mate everywhere! Mate is a traditional infused drink in Uruguay. It is a delicious warm drink that we have even in the summer, and it’s not that easy to make correctly. The water must be at the exact right temperature and the yerba leaves done in the correct way.
I know everyone in Uruguay is going to meet and drink mate to watch the matches with biscochos or sandwiches. If only I could do the same here!
What is the one way in which Stockholm is superior to Uruguay?
I really love how everyone lives in order here. Everyone has a routine in Sweden that makes everything more efficient. In Uruguay, there’s no order to do things. People drink alcohol every day at any time of the day, children go to bed when they feel like it, and there aren’t specific times when things are supposed to be done, which I think hurts Uruguay.
How will Uruguay do in the World Cup?
They will give everything they got on the field but unfortunately it will be pretty difficult for Uruguay to do very well because Suarez recently underwent knee surgery. Furthermore, all our best players are used to playing in different parts of the world, so they have not played together in a long time and it might prove to be difficult for them to understand and sync well together on the field.
…and who’s going to win it all?
I really hope Uruguay can win the World Cup, but I don’t think they’re the best so it’s probably unlikely. My guess is Brazil or Spain for the best candidates to win it.
CROATIA
Vanja Prekodravac
If you could bring one thing from Croatia to Stockholm, what would it be?
My computer (with all my addresses, images, memories).
What is the one way in which Stockholm is superior to Croatia?
Education in Sweden is free, including all books. Good childcare. Elitism is not in Sweden (old cars, they cycle to work or take public transport) and they are very tolerant.
Sweden is also working on active labor market policies (training the unemployed, no problem moving to another city for work). Wait, was that more than one?
How will Croatia do in the World Cup?
Final Eight.
…and who’s going to win it all?
Brazil, Germany or Spain.
FRANCE
Arno Selvini
If you could bring one thing from France to Stockholm, what would it be?
The cheap, excellent wines you find in the supermarket.
What is the one way in which Stockholm is superior to France?
The greenery and nature, it’s everywhere, and the overall great quality of life.
How will France do in the World Cup?
With France it’s either group stage or the final!
…And who’s going to win it all?
Argentina!
NETHERLANDS
Roelijne Peters
If you could bring one thing from Holland to Stockholm, what would it be?
For a joke I would say my wooden shoes, because a lot of people think Dutch people are very traditional and we always wear wooden shoes and eat raw herring with onions the whole day! But actually, I would bring something you can’t buy in Sweden, like hagelslag.
What is the one difference in which Stockholm is superior to Holland?
When people work in Sweden they have a lot of benefits. The insurance is arranged and if you go on maternity leave the mother will have 24 months to take care of her newborn. Also the father of the child will have some time to take care of their newborn. In the Netherlands it is totally different, the mother has a total of 16 weeks of maternity leave and the father only gets two days.
How will the Netherlands do in the World Cup?
I think we will do great, because Van Gaal is an excellent coach and trainer. He will make sure they will play as an excellent team.
…and who’s going to win it all?
I hope the Netherlands but Brazil is a good competitor, so that will be exciting.
IRAN
Mahsa Memar
If you could bring one thing from Iran to Stockholm, what would it be?
All the amazing foods and treats that you can’t find here.
What is the one way in which Stockholm is superior to Iran?
I would say the clean air.
How will Iran do in the World Cup?
Realistically given the group it will be difficult to advance. My heart wants them to make it to the top though of course!
…And who’s going to win it all?
France will win the World Cup!
PORTUGAL
Artur Lopes
If you could bring one thing from Portugal to Stockholm, what would it be?
Definitely a traditional grocery store. Portugal is known for its food quality and without those raw materials it’s simply impossible to cook a traditional dish! Our excellent olive oil, sausages, cheeses and of course the lovely bacalhau – the salt dried codfish. Along with so many other delicious things, wine included!
What is the one way in which Stockholm is superior to Portugal?
I like having cycle paths. It makes a bike ride in the city way safer and enjoyable.
How will Portugal do in the World Cup?
That depends on Cristiano Ronaldo, haha. Seriously, hopefully Portugal might have a chance of getting to the final due to the knowledge and experience of our many excellent players. At the very least, they will be a very nice team to watch!
…and who will win it all?
As a Portuguese I’d say Portugal, but I have a feeling it might be Argentina. They have a killer squad: Messi, Tevez, Aguero, Di Maria, Higuain. They won’t be an easy team to beat, so they might be the world champions!
Spain
Jordi Ripoli
If you could bring one thing from your home country to Stockholm, what would it be?
The food.
What is the one way in which Stockholm is superior to Spain?
The nature.
How will your country do in the World Cup?
As good buffoons in the court of the Kingdom of Spain, the national football team will entertain and distract Spain’s population from other important things like political corruption, unemployment, the dismantling of the public health and a long etcetera.
…And who’s going to win it all?
Multinationals and tax havens.
GHANA
Matthew Amoah
If you could bring one thing from Ghana to Stockholm, what would it be?
It would have to be my flag!
What is the one way in which Stockholm is superior to Ghana?
Honesty and roads.
How will Ghana do in the World Cup?
Ghana will make a big difference.
…And who’s going to win it all?
Germany or Spain.
CHILE
Rodrigo Gebrie Sanhueza
If you could bring one thing from Chile to Stockholm, what would it be?
I come from a small town with farms around it in the south of Chile, and I would like to bring the traditional food we have there.
What is the one way where Stockholm is superior to Chile?
Everything is more organized and less stressful. One good example is the public transportation, that is good and always on time.
How will Chile do in the World Cup?
Chile has a good team in a difficult group with Spain and Holland, but we will be at least in the second round.
…And who is going to win it all?
With so many South American supporters, a South American team should win. Argentina and Brazil are the favourites, but Uruguay could be the surprise team.
ECUADOR (& COLOMBIA)
Ivan Beltran Matiz
If you could bring one thing from Ecuador or Colombia to Stockholm, what would it be?
If I could bring something from my home country it would be fruit! Sweden doesn’t have as many exotic and tropical fruits.
What is the one way in which Stockholm is superior to Ecuador or Colombia?
Security. Also, Sweden has less contamination and the possibility to have a life with close contact with nature. You don’t need to travel far away to feel the nature.
How will Ecuador do in the World Cup?
I have two countries in the World Cup, the first one is Ecuador and the second one is Colombia, and we are going to give a nice football show. Perhaps we can even win it all?
…And who’s going to win it all?
Brazil! They are one of the best football teams in the world, but I do hope for a surprise this time. Either way, I definitely hope that a South American country wins!
