Here's hoping that this year Italia won't get eliminated on penalty kicks.

World Cup Fever Hits Toronto

One of the wonderful things about living on Ossington just north of Dundas reveals itself every four years - World Cup Fever. Nestled right between Little Italy and Portugal Village, the area is also home to a number of Brazillian nationalsand Koreatown is just down the street. As well, the Trin/Port bar, practically next door, will be bopping in celebration of T&T's first visit to the World Cup. Needless to say, this means that regardless of who's playing on any given day, there's going to be a party going on somewhere, celebrating somebody's win, or consoling each other over a loss. Oftentimes, the streets will be filled with supporters of multiple teams - and when they play each other, watch out and enjoy.

The same holds true in countless other neighbourhoods across Hogtown; this is the city that cannot lose. While normally the Lynx have trouble filling Centennial Stadium, during World Cup month, something clicks. People suddenly remember where their great-great-grandmothers were born and a passion is stirred inside. Students make sure that their summer class schedule doesn't conflict with important games - or at least that the class is a skippable one. Bars across the city will discover that their TV sets do indeed show an outdoor game with a large round ball.

Now if only Canada could finally get back into the tournament for 2010 - then Toronto will really rock the pitch.


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