Abstract Idea
Key Member
- Joined
- Jun 13, 2009
- Member Type
- Interested in Language
- Native Language
- Portuguese
- Home Country
- Brazil
- Current Location
- United States
I had pretty well given up on insisting that Spain takes the singular. After hearing so many commentators say "Spain are" I've begrudgingly come to accept it. But "Spain win the World Cup"? That really sounds wrong to me. :shock:
Hmm, maybe, following philadelphia's line, there is an implied meaning behind the words here:
If you say "Spain win the World Cup" you are somehow staying that the whole nation achieved it.
If you say "Spain wins the World Cup" you are emphasizing the players achievement.
Well, this is just a guess.
But regarding the difference in BrE and AmE, once again thanks to philadelphia, it is really remarkable to read:
"Spain reign victorious as Dutch dreams ends in pain" (The Guardian)
"Spain survive brutal final to become champions" (The Guardian)
"Spain wins first World Cup" (The New York Times)
"For the next four years, Spain is the champion." (The New York Times)