by dailystar.com.lb — Traditional political allegiances might push Lebanese fans to support Saudi Arabia or Iran, the two major regional players who are both taking part in the sporting festival. However, many are instead siding with the most skilled teams, or those showcasing the most attractive football. Germany and Brazil, two football powerhouses, command the best part of the support of Lebanese fans, and many were shocked when Germany lost their first game. After Mexico stunned the reigning world champions 1-0, Brazil fans took to Twitter and Facebook to poke fun at fans of the European giants. “Donald? It’s me, Angela. Please build the wall,” one commenter wrote alongside a picture of German Chancellor Angela Merkel after Germany’s loss to Mexico, while a video was posted showing Brazil fans hoisting a coffin draped in the German flag, as fans wearing the Brazilian flag played musical instruments. However, the celebrations were short-lived when Brazil tied with Switzerland Sunday evening in another unexpected result. Shortly after, Germany fans posted logos of “7-UP,” in reference to the 7-1 loss endured by the Brazil 2014 World Cup hosts to Germany. One poster queried, “Where are the samba fans?” Brazil and Germany were not the only two major teams to let down their Lebanese fan base.

A number of Argentina fans were disappointed after their team tied with Iceland, with the normally infallible Lionel Messi failing to convert a penalty kick. A number of fans chose to support smaller teams like Australia and Mexico, who fielded players of Lebanese descent. Andrew Nabbout, a forward for Australia’s Socceroos, started and played 64 minutes in their loss to France. Migel Layun, a Mexican full back with ties to the northern Lebanese town of Akkar, caused some local fans to throw their support behind “El Tricolor.” The fervor with which Lebanese fans get behind teams for little apparent reason has perplexed some of the country’s academics. Bana Bashour, an associate professor of philosophy at AUB, tweeted: “What I find interesting about fans of the #WorldCup in Lebanon is that most randomly choose a country as children and become die-hard supporters throughout their lives. No one can tell you why they support the team they do, and I find that fascinating. “That said, GO GERMANY!!”