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.