BELONGING TO MANY WORLDS BUT BELONGING TO NONE

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FROM THE MARGINS | BY PATRICK AZADIAN
Los Angeles Times Valley Edition | Glendale News-Press | July 1 2006

A leopard never changes its spots

The soccer World Cup is killing me. Not literally, but I am losing some sleep while challenging my clients' resolve to keep me on their books in the face of my occasional unavailability.

This is the event that gives some local sport commentators the opportunity to take cheap shots at the sport by branding it as un-American. I'd like to challenge that argument when I grow up, but for now, let me concede that soccer is not as American as baseball, football or basketball.

The World Cup is a chance for some Glendale residents  whether they trace their roots to Korea, Mexico, Armenia, Iran, Germany or the Mayflower -- to clear out their lungs in early morning hours while enjoying a large glass of sweet Hefeweizen.

You see, soccer is not just a sport, but also a condensed simulation of different aspects of life.

Just like real life, soccer can be beautiful.

My first vivid memories of the beautiful game go back to 1974. By this time, my dad had unknowingly brainwashed me to actually enjoy watching soccer in lieu of Yogi Bear cartoons. His subliminal training involved running the TV with just about any English soccer match. It did not matter if it was an insignificant match involving Huddersfield or Swansea.

In the 1974 World Cup, the Dutch introduced a brand of soccer that won the hearts of neutrals. Dressed in their bright orange jerseys, they apparently had everything to be champions. In their bid to reach the final, they brushed aside mighty Brazil and the always-respectable Argentina. In the final, they were to meet the hosts, West Germany, who had struggled throughout the tournament.

It was the year I officially fell in love with the game. The "Clockwork Orange" seemed to have it all  panache, speed, teamwork, creativity and talent. I had no doubts they would lift the trophy.

But a true-life lesson was on its way like a runaway train as West Germany ran out winners, 2-1.

For months, I had a sick feeling in my stomach. Why was the game so unfair, I asked myself? What I had not accounted for, at my young age, were certain factors that are also valid in real life. I had ignored the fact that talent and creativity are only a few of the foundations for success.

The mesmerizing Dutch could have taken a lesson from the Yankees' legendary coach Yogi Berra. He once said: "When you're part of a team, you stand up for your teammates. Your loyalty is to them. You protect them through good and bad, because they'd do the same for you." The Germans had the formula down.

As in real life, determination, grit, stamina, family support and the will to succeed can go a long way in overcoming shortcomings.

Despite the tragedy of '74, the year marked a point when my father and I began watching almost every important sports event together. Whether it was Liverpool against Borussia Monchengladbach in the European Cup soccer final, or Ali humbling Foreman in the world boxing title match, we did not miss a beat.

Just as in real life, soccer is about being with family.

This year, depending on who's been playing, I've been switching venues from my apartment to all the ethnic restaurants on Brand Boulevard. But, it wasn't until I revisited Lucky Baldwin's British pub in Pasadena when I really felt at home.

It was the only place where I watched the game with family; my sister, Lilit, and my cousin Fred were there. And yes, the Dutch put me through a familiar agony of defeat, this time against Portugal.

Family was not the only factor helping me feel at home. You see, not too many women visit British pubs.

At the expense of sounding sexist, women can be a distraction during soccer matches.

First, for the very obvious reasons, and second, many like to chatter until a goal is scored. And in soccer, there aren't too many goals scored. A British pub is where one can focus on the game.

This way, I don't get to miss much throughout the match. I get to see the great pass leading to a goal, the quick shimmy to outsmart the opponent, the-look-one-way-but-pass the-other-way move, as well as that acrobatic save that keeps the score at a well-balanced nil-nil.

Just as in real life, how you arrive at a goal is as important, if not more, than the goal itself.

OK, I am starting to sound Dutch, but perhaps, as in real life, a leopard never changes its spots.

Copyright 2006 Glendale News Press