Thomas Flannigan
20 Aug 2004, 01:29 PM
There is more than a little superstition and belief in the supernatural in the soccer world. I have quite a few anecdotes and am interested in what others have to share.
A few years ago I was in Brasil during the Copa America and watched the Chile-Argentina game on TV. This was the game where Martin Palermo missed 3 PKs. After the game, the Chilean coach told the press that he was in psychic contact with the keeper and that is why the PKs were saved. No one seemed to question his explanation!
About 10 years ago, Peru was visiting Chile for a critical World Cup Qualifier. Chile needed to win, but some of their best players took ill. Press reports indicated that Peruvian brujas (witches) had crossed the border and were casting spells on the Chilean players. Chile was outraged and threatened to invade Peru. The Holy Father got both sides on the phone and averted the war. Chile won, and I guess the brujas went home….
A few years ago I was in Brasil during the Copa America and watched the Chile-Argentina game on TV. This was the game where Martin Palermo missed 3 PKs. After the game, the Chilean coach told the press that he was in psychic contact with the keeper and that is why the PKs were saved. No one seemed to question his explanation!
About 10 years ago, Peru was visiting Chile for a critical World Cup Qualifier. Chile needed to win, but some of their best players took ill. Press reports indicated that Peruvian brujas (witches) had crossed the border and were casting spells on the Chilean players. Chile was outraged and threatened to invade Peru. The Holy Father got both sides on the phone and averted the war. Chile won, and I guess the brujas went home….