World Cup 2010 - Strong Rivalry Between Italy and England Soccer Fans in Malta

Malta is a country of 400,000 people and just like inBut the rivalry is taken to another level - whenever
politics, whereby the country is nearly divided betweenone of these teams loses a match, the supporters of
two political parties, so are the majority of soccer fansthe other team hit the streets with deafening
divided between two teams: Italy and England.car-cades to celebrate the loss.
England ruled Malta from 1800 up to 1964, when theNot very sporting attitude, I hear you say! No, not at all!
country gained Independence, and Malta's roots to theWhen England were eliminated against Portugal in
British are too evident to ignore: Malta proudly bearsWorld Cup 2006, car-cades of Italian soccer
the George Cross on its flag, given by King George VIsupporters continued throughout the night, and tourists
to the island nation for heroic attitude of the people ofwho were not aware of this rivalry did not have a clue
Malta during the Second World War.as to why Italian soccer fans were celebrating since
Although the English language is considered as Malta'stheir team had not played yet!
second language, everybody in Malta speaks English,But while this rivalry may be very annoying to some, it
from the learned to the lay person. English is taught inis very amusing to others.
schools from kindergarten age, and even toddlers are"I just hope Italy are eliminated before the England
spoken to in both languages simultaneously.Squad, that would be satisfying enough, I will tease my
Italy's southern island Sicily is a stone's throw awayworkmates and get back at them for World Cup
from Malta, and ties to the Italians, which were2006", says England supporter Luke Borg.
obviously interrupted during WWII, gained strength after"I know we have no chance of winning the world cup
the war, and commercial activity between bothagain, but I just hope England are eliminated before us,
countries has flourished ever since.or I won't be able to face my England supporting
During the seventies and eighties, Maltese people couldcolleagues!" says Christian Dimech.
only view one poor local TV station so tuning in toEvery pub, bar, restaurant, club and entertainment
major Italian TV stations helped the Maltese to learnvenue in Malta sports big screens and numerous TVs
from, and become more accustomed to Italian flair andto broadcast the World Cup 2010 soccer matches live.
style. Italian TV stations are still very popular amongThe official World Cup village, set up on Manoel Island,
the locals today and many young Maltese childrenon the road between Sliema and Ta' Xbiex, has
have learnt how to speak Italian simply by watchingproved to be ever so popular among locals and
Italian TV.tourists. Hundreds of soccer fans flock to the venue
No-one really knows why the rivalry between Italianwith their families, and even young children are seen
and English Soccer supporters is so strong in Malta, butwearing their favourite team's colours and waving
it may simply be because there are too many Englandflags while supporting their favourite teams.
and Italy soccer fans on the islands. The other soccerBut there is only one match that Maltese soccer fans
teams that are gaining ground between Maltesewould die for - England vs Italy. The last time the two
soccer supporters are Germany, Brazil, Argentina andsquads met in a World Cup match, England beat Italy
the Netherlands - but nowhere near the numbers of2-1 in 1990, on Italian soil.
Italy and England supporters.But seems like these fans will have to wait for another
The Maltese have a very Mediterranean character -World Cup, as both teams have not had a wonderful
they are loud and cheerful, but also passionate aboutstart this time round!
whatever they do.