Music of the World Cup: Soccer Diplomacy

Soundcheck | Jun 24, 2010

At an international competition like the World Cup, a match between countries with strained relations can seem to be about much more than soccer. 

The political fallout of the BP oil spill was on the minds of many fans as the U.S. shocked England with a draw two weeks ago. Today: contributor Gary Burton tells us about the ways soccer has stood in for diplomacy and even armed conflict. We'll hear songs inspired by a famous "Christmas truce" during World War I. And Steve Bloomfield , author of Africa United: Soccer, Passion, Politics and the First World Cup in Africa. Plus: two giants of the World Cup were felled this week. We'll mine the music of France and Italy for a wound-licking soundtrack.

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