Normally, in California we applaud our soccer players as they go off the field. Here in Peru, it’s a little different. Last weekend my family and I went to a pro soccer game (at a cost of $2.20). When we arrived, we found seats and waited for the game to start. The stands filled quickly with die-hard fans. The game started... and if I had to describe it, these would be the four words: dramatic, aggressive, painful, and exciting. The fans get really into it. The halftime score was still 0 to 0 and everyone was just warming up. Cusco was in control of the ball most of the time, until the other team got so close to scoring a goal that a defender tried to kick the ball out and ended up scoring a goal on his own team. That got the crowd going. They screamed and booed at their own player. But, the game must go on, and so it did. Just when the crowd was giving up on Cusco, they scored a goal! We all jumped up and screamed, while some other fans shot off fireworks. The clock had moments to spare, when the game ends. Cusco gets ready to walk off , when the crowd starts throwing stuff at them. Water bottles, paper, trash, soda, hats, you name it. Apparently in Peru, f your team doesn’t win you are in danger of getting hit by flying trash.

by Elena