| Keyword | Description |
|---|---|
| Demeanor | The biggest soccer tournament in the world, held every four years. |
| El Tri | The nickname of the Mexican national team. |
| Viral | Something that becomes very popular quickly, especially on the internet. |
Mexico’s World Cup game last week introduced a new star, but it’s not a player — it’s a duck named Merlin! After Mexico’s team won 2-0 against South Africa, Merlin was seen in a Mexico jersey and sneakers wandering through cheering crowds in Mexico City. His adorable outfit and calm demeanor captured the hearts of many, leading to millions of views and shares on social media. Fans quickly named him “World Cup Duck” or “El Pato Mundialista” in Spanish.
Merlin’s owner is Karla Ivette Gómez, who sells drinks with her son in Mexico City’s historic areas. She explained that Merlin became part of their family after their previous duck, Waffle, passed away. To get Merlin used to the busy streets and people, Gómez trained him with a harness. Now, he is comfortable being around crowds.
After Merlin’s videos went viral, FIFA, the organization that runs the World Cup, invited Merlin and his family for a special photo shoot. This made Merlin an unofficial mascot for the World Cup, even though the official mascot is Zayu the Jaguar.
While Merlin and his family haven’t decided if they’ll travel to Guadalajara for vi next match against South Korea, they are cheering for the team. Gómez proudly stated, “Mexico, we are with you, and Merlin is your No. 1 fan.”
Bridging words
These words sound similar in English and Spanish: Why not practice them now?
| English | Spanish |
|---|---|
| Mascot | Mascota |
| Social | Social |
| Photo | Foto |
Time to discuss
- Why do you think Merlin became so popular so quickly?
- How do animals like Merlin help bring attention to events like the World Cup?
- What qualities make a good mascot for a sports team or event?
Let’s Write
Answer the following questions in one paragraph
- Describe how Merlin the duck became an internet sensation during the World Cup.
- What role did Karla Ivette Gómez play in Merlin’s journey to fame?
