Click here to return to the main page- National Anthems: The Music of the World Cup. This page has a directory to link you to all the national anthems for the teams in the 2014 World Cup.

Spain

 

 Analysis

At first glance, it may seem like the Spanish National Team is the least patriotic of any team- not one of them can be seen singing the national anthem! Don’t be so rash with your judgements though. “Marcha Real,” or “The Royal March,” doesn’t have any lyrics. It is one of only two anthems in this World Cup with no lyrics (the other being Bosnia-Herzegovina’s). This anthem has been used off and on since the 1700’s and though many have tried to compose lyrics for it, nothing has stuck.[1] Many Spainiards will sing “Lo-lo-lo-lo” along with the tune, so if you see people singing in the crowd, that is probably what they are up to [2]. However, the players will more than likely stand silent (here is video showing just that).

Be sure to keep an eye on Sergio Busquets, one of Spain’s go-to defensive midfielders.

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Netherlands

 

Het Wilhelmus Wilhelmus van Nassouwe Ben ik van Duitsen bloed Den vaderland getrouwe Blijf ik tot in den dood Een Prince van Oranjen Ben ik vrij onverveerd Den Koning van Hispanjen Heb ik altijd geëerd

The William William of Nassau, scion Of an old Germanic line, I dedicate undying Faith to this land of mine. A prince I am, undaunted, Of Orange, ever free, To the king of Spain I’ve granted A lifelong loyalty.

Analysis

One of the oldest national anthems out there, the Dutch National Anthem’s melody has been around since 1572 and the song itself is found in a 1626 collection of songs compiled by Adriaan Valerius. As it is so old, the author is virtually unknown. The song has 15 verses, though the first and sometimes sixth are usually sung. [3] It is interesting that the anthem is pledging loyalty to the king of Spain. Does that mean that if Juan Carlos I were to tell the Dutch to throw the match, they would have to? Somehow, I don’t think that is how it works, but it is still interesting that the Netherlands’ anthem still uses those lyrics.

Be sure to watch Arjen Robben, aka the Flying Dutchman.

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Chile

 

Himno Nacional de Chile Puro, Chile, es tu cielo azulado, Puras brisas te cruzan también, Y tu campo de flores bordado Es la copia feliz del Edén. Majestuosa es la blanca montaña Que te dio por baluarte el Señor, Que te dio por baluarte el Señor, Y ese mar que tranquilo te baña Te promete futuro esplendor. Y ese mar que tranquilo te baña Te promete futuro esplendor. CHORUS: Dulce Patria, recibe los votos Con que Chile en tus aras juró: Que o la tumba serás de los libres O el asilo contra la opresión Que o la tumba serás de los libres O el asilo contra la opresión Que o la tumba serás de los libres O el asilo contra la opresión O el asilo contra la opresión O el asilo contra la opresión.

National Anthem of Chile Chile, your sky is a pure blue, Pure breezes blow across you, And your field, embroidered with flowers, Is a happy copy of Eden. Majestic is the snow-covered mountain That was given to you by the Lord as a bastion, That was given to you by the Lord as a bastion, And the sea that tranquilly washes your shore Promises future splendour for you, And the sea that tranquilly washes your shore Promises future splendour for you. CHORUS: Sweet fatherland, accept the vows With which Chile swore at your altars: Either you’ll be the tomb of the free Or the refuge against oppression Either you’ll be the tomb of the free Or the refuge against oppression Either you’ll be the tomb of the free Or the refuge against oppression Or the refuge against oppression Or the refuge against oppression.

Analysis

Though the music has stayed the same over the years, the lyrics to Chile’s national anthem have been changed multiple times. After a military coup, a third verse was added. This was removed when democracy was restored in 1990, however even today, supporters of the former military government can be found singing the third verse.[4]

Watch for goals from Alexis Sanchez. Here is a little more about him.

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Australia

 

Advance Australia Fair Australians all let us rejoice, For we are young and free; We’ve golden soil and wealth for toil, Our home is girt by sea; Our land abounds in Nature’s gifts Of beauty rich and rare; In history’s page, let every stage Advance Australia fair! In joyful strains then let us sing, “Advance Australia fair!”

 Analysis

“Advance Australia Fair,” highlights the industrious zeal and the bounteous opportunities afforded to Australians. I see this anthem as a decree of limitless potential and commitment to march forward and represent the country well- not a bad message to send at the beginning of a World Cup match. This was finally adopted as Australia’s national anthem in 1984, after it beat out “God Save the Queen” and others in a national poll. [5]

Tim Cahill will be one of Australia’s key players. Check him out here.

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References

[1]  “Spain » nationalanthems.info.” nationalanthems.info. Ed. David Kendall. Web. 9 Dec 2013.

[2] Alvarez, Eduardo. “Botching Spain’s national anthem: a quick guide.” World Cup 2010, ESPPN Soccernet. 23 June 2010. Web. 9 Dec. 2013.

[3] “Netherlands» nationalanthems.info.” nationalanthems.info. Ed. David Kendall. Web. 9 Dec 2013.

[4]  “Chile» nationalanthems.info.” nationalanthems.info. Ed. David Kendall. Web. 9 Dec 2013.

[5] “Australia» nationalanthems.info.” nationalanthems.info. Ed. David Kendall. Web. 9 Dec 2013.

How to cite this article: “National Anthems: The Music of the World Cup,” Written by Jordan Pearson (2013), World Cup 2014, Soccer Politics Blog, Duke University, http://sites.duke.edu/wcwp (accessed on (date)). 

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