Sport & Nationalism Spain & identity & sport The “National” situation in Spain: Some of the regions in Spain do not feel the Spanish national identity as their own identity. Particularly citizens from Catalonia and the Basque Country, and to a lesser extent in other regions, feel alienated from Spain. This situation originates a paradox: top athletes want to play for the national team in big competitions for the prestige but at the same time they do not feel comfortable with it.
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Sport & Nationalism
Spain & identity &
sport
The “National” situation in Spain:
Some of the regions in Spain do not feel the Spanish national identity as their own identity. Particularly citizens from Catalonia and the Basque Country, and to a lesser extent in other regions, feel alienated from Spain.
This situation originates a paradox: top athletes want to play for the national team in big competitions for the prestige but at the same time they do not feel comfortable with it.
Sport & Nationalism
Catalonia is a powerful sporting region in Spain:
5 out of 11 starting players in the Spanish team in the 2010 Soccer World Cup final were from Catalonia.
5 out of 12 players from the Spanish basketball team are from Catalonia, the Gasol brothers and Ricky Rubio included.
Spain obtained 17 medals in London 2012 Olympics. 5 by Catalan athletes.
Some media in Spain think that players who don’t feel Spanish shouldn’t represent Spain in international competitions.
Spain & identity &
sport
Carles Puyol, former FCB captain, kissing the Catalan flag after scoring a goal
Have any American athlete ever thought about carrying a California or Pennsylvania State flag?
Sport & Nationalism
Argentina vs England
In 1982 Argentina invaded the Falkland Islands claiming they were situated in Argentinian territory. The Falklands were colonial islands under British sovereignty.
The UK responded and defeated Argentinian troops, retaining the sovereignty over the islands.
Sport & Nationalism
Argentina vs England
In 1986, four years later, Argentina and England faced each other in the World Cup in Mexico.
“I scored the goal "un poco con la cabeza de Maradona y otro poco con la mano de Dios" (a little with the head of Maradona and a little with the hand of God)”.