Watching the action between the U.S. and North Korean women’s soccer teams led many fans to contemplate the effects of the Olympics on global affairs.
The match on Tuesday night at Old Trafford in Manchester ended with the U.S. women emerging victorious in the 1-0 game, Abby Wambach’s 25th-minute goal being the deciding point, but fans in the stands, such as Jennifer McPartlin, had other questions than the final score.
McPartlin and her boyfriend, who traveled from New Jersey to watch the games, had a political debate prior to the match. Knowing the history of the other competing countries is important for spectators, she said.
“I just think you need to know the back story of North Korea, and if you don’t know it, then you’re an idiot,” McPartlin said. “We came in here and he had a lot of questions, like is it a dictator(ship), but they call it a republic.”
Other fans saw the game as an opportunity to put aside whatever diplomatic tensions exist between the two nations outside of the Olympics and focus on the match.
“I think it’s a great game (because) it brings countries together and we can just enjoy being together as a world and put all the political things aside,” said Krista Coupe of Colorado.
Sneha Reddy from Connecticut, who watched the match with her two children, enjoyed the presence of the Olympic spirit. She said she thought the Olympics transcend global conflict.
"I think it's bringing people together," Reddy said. "I think it's important. Games like this is one of the few ways we can bring people together. It's definitely sending the whole world a message."
This article was provided through Scripps London 2012, a program allowing students in the E.W. Scripps School of Journalism to cover 2012 Summer Olympics events in London. Four Post staff members are participating in the program.
