A Look at the Publication Headlines from Countries Bounced from the Start of the World Cup Knock-out Round
We already know the answer to the headline question.
Virtually every great novel and movie depend on failure to bring tension to the story.
And are there few things more painful than seeing your country fight its way through World Cup group play only to get sent home during the first stage of the knock-out round?
Thinking it would be a cathartic experience – again, I stand by my earlier vow to never eat another waffle – we’ve captured sample publication headlines from all the countries that exited the World Cup during the start of the knock-out round.
Chile
Newspaper: El Mercurio
Headline Translation: Maximum Penalty
Analysis: The photo serves up the anguish with the headline taking a supporting role. Hopefully, someone eventually gave Number 2 a hug as well.
Uruguay
Newspaper: El Pais
Headline Translation: We Lost It
Analysis: Always enjoy a double entendre in the headline.
Mexico
Newspaper: El Sol de Mexico
Headline Translation: Dramatic defeat of Mexico; Holland qualifies for quarter finals
Analysis: Another case where the photo more than the headline communicates the painful outcome.
Greece
Newspaper: Sentra Goal
Headline Translation: Too Bad, But You Made us Proud
Analysis: It sounds like the writer of this headline had just finished an essay on Greece’s economic quagmire.
Nigeria
Newspaper: The Sun
Headline: Team France Clip Eagle’s Wings
Analysis: Eh.
Algeria
Newspaper: Echorouk
Headline Translation: “Desert Warriors” Bid Farewell to the World Cup with Pride
Analysis: Algeria shows it’s a glass-is-half-full nation.
Switzerland
Newspaper: 20 Minuten
Headline Translation: Bitter send off for Switzerland!
Analysis: Now there’s an adjective that packs an emotional punch, “bitter.”
USA
Publication: The New Yorker
Headline: Hail to the Alamo, Team USA Goes Down Fighting
Analysis: Nothing like conjuring high school history to find the perfect metaphor. The Alamo didn’t end well for the U.S., nor did the match against Belgium.
Until the World Cup returns in 2018 in Russia, I’ll take solace in the cliché, “misery loves company.”
For the Nigerians, Greeks, Chileans, and others who made this class, enjoy!
Side note: It periodically takes a village to raise a post. Thanks go to Megan Hernbroth (research), Luica Mak (translation), Shereen Massoud (translation) and Leslie Posada (translation) for their helping hands.