the wrong jersey
I do not subscribe to Sportsnet World. I would love to, but the $15/month for a single channel is excessive in my mind. This means I miss out on many football (soccer) matches that I would love to watch. Or at least I miss out on watching them on my HDTV in the comfort of my home.
Today SN World will broadcast a match between Basel FC and Bayern Munich taking place in Basel, Switzerland. It is the first leg of the knockout round of 16 in the UEFA Champions League. Basel is the underdog, the minnow, the David to the german Goliath. But they have already slain a giant – the mighty (evil?) Manchester United. Basel defied the odds and knocked the reigning British champions out in the group round.
Today I will be supporting the home team. Here are some of the reasons;
- A good friend of mine grew up near Basel
- Xherdan Shaqiri – their young soon to be superstar is amazing! Ironically he just signed to play for Munich next season
- They are the underdog, and when in doubt I cheer for the underdog
However, I have one good reason that I own a Bayern Munich jersey.
- Arjen Robben – I’m a fan
Since I do not subscribe to SN World, I have (or had) three options for watching the game today.
- Fly to Switzerland to watch the game
- Find an online stream of the game, preferably in english
- Go to the German pub that is showing the game
Arjen Robben
The first choice is obviously out of the question at this point. I briefly considered it last week when my friend found cheap(ish) flights to Zurich, but ultimately decided I wasn’t old enough for that kind of mid-life crisis related foolishness.
The second choice is the easiest, assuming I can find a feed that is stable enough for me to enjoy it. Not always possible.
The third is the most likely.
But it’s a German pub.
Will I wear my Munich jersey? It would make sense wouldn’t it? Chances are anyone else who skipped out on work to take in the game would be a Munich supporter. I might meet some new friends, maybe they’d offer to buy me a pint. At the very least they wouldn’t look down on me, or worse, for supporting their opposition. I don’t know that there is much soccer related violence in the valley but I don’t want to test it.
Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world,
but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.
Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is
–his good, pleasing and perfect will.
Romans 12:2
Then I realized that in my life I often walk around with my “Munich” jersey on. It’s easier. I know my team has won and better than that, I know they win again. I secretly cheer for my real home team but outwardly I too often just try to fit in, enjoying the temporary perks of following the crowd.
I want to be confident of who I support.
It should be obvious to those around me.
So do I wear my Munich jersey today?
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