“…We can observe how the convergence of the media, commercial interests, politics and the public through the prism of football helps to engender a more patriotic sentiment, enhancing national identity, where everyone involved can benefit, either economically, socially or politically. This only functions where football is established as a national symbol, easily identifiable to citizens; this is certainly the case in Colombia, where the Colombian national team, according to Villamarín, is the epicentre of a passion which encompasses every citizen, irrespective of age, gender, race, political affiliation, religious belief or region of birth (Villamarín Pulido, : 72) and where the condition of being a ‘fan’ seems to be an obligatory feature in exercising national citizenship (Rozo Rondón, : 29).…”