Zionist’s Guide to the World Cup Group–H/I/J Previews |
In past editions of the Zionist’s Guide to the World Cup (ZGWC), Spain was consistently rated poorly. This assessment was based almost entirely on those inconveniences of 500 years ago commonly known as the Expulsion from Spain and the Inquisition. The weight of this history has always colored the perception of Spain. Moreover, since 1492, nothing in the course of subsequent Spanish history has really presented itself as if to say: “Hey, we really like you Jews, after all. We’re really sorry about those auto-de-fes and s%#t. Really sorry, you know.” Lest one forget, Spain did not establish diplomatic relations with Israel until 1986–nearly forty years after Israel was founded and more than a decade after the death of Francisco Franco, a notable fascist. In those days, Spain’s attitude towards Israel was shaped by the residue of right wing politics. After October 7th, though, Spain has sunk to an entire new level of animus towards the Jews and its only state. Pedro Sanchez, the socialist prime minister, has pursued an anti-Israel agenda that even the Irish Free State would envy. Currently, Spain’s perceptions of Israel are shaped by left wing politics. Between the right wing and the left wing, there is not much for the ZGWC to choose between–other than for whatever country happens to be playing against Spain that day.
It is a testament to the absurdity of conducting a 48 team World Cup when the highly knowledgeable ZGWC has to take the time to do a little basic research about a country in the tournament draw. Such is the case with Cape Verde, a group of islands off of the west coast of Africa. A former Portuguese colony, Cape Verde is mostly Christian and racially mixed. It is one of the most stable democratic governments in Africa. Cape Verde also has some Jewish history, as well, considering that many conversos fleeing Spain and Portugal in the 1500s sought refuge in the archipelago. More recently, Cape Verde has diplomatic relations with Israel and relations are cordial–even if the former consistently votes against Israel in the UN. This pattern of under-the-table accord combined with public hectoring by countries like Cape Verde wears on the patience of the ZGWC. Nevertheless, the Blue Shark’s line-up may very well feature Helio Varela, a forward currently plying his trade with Maccabi Haifa. Also, midfielder Ailson Tavares plays for Beitar Jerusalem, and midfielder Heriberto Tavares features for Maccabi Netanya. One could do significantly worse in Group H.
For several World Cups, the ZGWC has sounded like a broken record with respect to Saudi Arabia, to wit: if the Saudis sign onto the Abraham Accords, then the one could cheer for the Green Falcons with a clear conscience. ........