The Courier introduces Vancouverites who are devoted to the World Cup and following their team from afar in coffee shops on Commercial Drive, pubs in Strathcona and convenience stores on Robson Street. Check out our , which is set to Â鶹´«Ă˝Ół»time.
When Argentina kicked off against Belgium in the World Cup quarter-final on Saturday, Gustavo Zadunaisky was in Richmond, far from a television but very close to the game. He was coaching his son Rodrigo in a U15 “gold” provincial tournament at Hugh Boyd Park, his mind on two matches.
“We have a very early game,” Zadunaisky said before the busy morning. “I have no choice, I am the only coach. It’s OK — last time watching Argentina, I suffered too much against Switzerland.
“If we win, I will go to Commercial Drive to celebrate. We will be waiting for the news.”
Argentina eliminated Belgium and plays the Netherlands today (July 9) for a crack at the final. Argentina has appeared in four World Cup finals and won in 1978 and 1986.
Zadunaisky, whose Russian last name comes from a grandfather who moved to Argentina, emigrated himself 10 years ago, choosing Canada as the country to raise his children. He heads to the Drive for a seat at the World Cup and likes Caffe Roma in particular.
We asked him what it means to be a fan of La Albicelestes.
What does a typical Argentina fan drink?
GZ: It depends where you are. Beer in Canada. I don’t drink too much alcohol, but I drink maté. [pronounced MAH-tey] It’s a typical drink we take. You put hot water and you pass the same maté to each person, one at a time.
Do you bring your own mug to Caffe Roma?
GZ: They don’t allow me! I have a latte. When you are home, you have a maté, especially when it’s the middle of the afternoon. Breakfast, I’ll have a latte and toast. In the afternoon, it’s maté.
What food does an Argentina fan eat?
GZ: Barbecue. Beef. It’s typical for us to get together to watch a game and have a barbecue with good beef.
What is your favourite World Cup memory?
GZ: I can remember almost all the World Cups and where I was. The last time Argentina won was 1986 with Maradona. I was 15 years old at the time. We ran away from school to watch... you couldn’t miss any game. In school they decided to make a recess and bring everybody to the gym to watch on a big screen. I remember that celebration.
Why is soccer said to be like a tragedy in Argentina?
GZ: Soccer is almost everything. It’s dramatic. People like soccer with a lot of passion, with a lot of heart. It’s a religion. There are passionate teams around the world but for Argentinians, football is our passion. Even people are moving here for a better life but when you see the national team, you love Argentina. You change your country — I am Canadian, too — but I am Argentinian, especially when they play.
If not Argentina, who will win?
GZ: First, I’m going to be so depressed if they don’t win. I believe Brazil.
Caffe Roma is located at 1510 Commercial Dr.
