Boca versus River : football and politics in Argentina

Boca Juniors versus River Plate. This is one of the world’s biggest sports rivalries. It is very hard to find a greater and more contentious football match than the Buenos Aires derby. Both Argentinean clubs carry a centenary history. The two began at the beginning of the 20th century in La Boca, a poor and humble neighbourhood in the south of the Argentinean capital city. In the 1920s, River Plate relocated to the north of the city, but the dispute of the true representative of the lower classes, the workers from La Boca remained – even though nowadays both clubs have supporters across all social classes in the country. The ‘super derby’ stops the country. Every local, regional or national newspaper, radio or TV station is broadcasting the pre-match news – a week prior to the game. During match day, the Barra Bravas – the fanatic Argentinean fans who stand for the whole game and never rest supporting their team – put together a big show on the stands with their fireworks, singing and dancing.