With soccermania sweeping through the European, South American and African communities here, jingoism is in the air and everyone is rooting for their national teams.
NEW DELHI: Guess what is the main topic of discussion in diplomatic parties in New Delhi at the moment?
No, it isn't Shashi Tharoor, the Indo-US nuclear deal or international relations, but the stratagems of soccer.
With soccermania sweeping through the European, South American and African communities here, jingoism is in the air and everyone is rooting for their national teams.
German ambassador Bernd Mutzelburg kicked off the 'opening ceremony' on June 9 with a huge reception, with German companies such as Mercedes Benz and Adidas sponsoring the gala event.
Mutzelburg's soccer diplomacy was on full show in the run-up to the games. He has been on television with a soccer ball and in the German jersey. But, although he did and said the right things, Mutzelburg is not a true blue soccer fan.
That right is reserved for Brazil's ambassador Jose Vicente Pimentel. He is passionate about the game. A supporter of Flamengo - the top Brazilian football club where the legendry Zico started his career - he keeps track of every match of the club. He even has the Flamengo flag in his office.
Pimentel organised a huge do on June 13 when Brazil played their first match against Croatia. The reception began at 10 pm, two-and-a-half hours before the start of the match. A film on his favourite player Zico was screened before the kick-off.
With most Indians supporting Brazil, Pimentel is mighty pleased and also amazed at the level of interest in soccer in India, considering the country's passion for cricket.
Embassies other than those of Germany and Brazil are waiting to see how their teams perform before planning receptions.
British diplomats are upbeat and believe that England have a good chance to enter the final. "But so far, the team has shown very little of their talent in the field,'' a diplomat said.
The British diplomatic staff are watching the matches on a huge screen in the high commission compound. They are guzzling beer and cheering on their team, but until England move up the ladder, no parties are planned.
The scenes are similar in the embassies of Italy, Argentina, Poland and Croatia. But at the American embassy, there are few takers for the beautiful game. Very little interest there.
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