Humor and tolerance

In an attempt to stop the situation getting out of hand, some online material offers women advice along the lines of: "There is no need for girls to get angry. Try to understand soccer and watch the games together with your boyfriend, if you want. Try to be gentle and considerate, to buy snacks and beer for your boyfriends who will be staying up late, so they will be grateful for what you do."

While some may find these suggestions helpful, humor is likely to be a far more effective panacea. One of the most popular jokes doing the rounds on the Internet goes: "In the long history of the World Cup, only three teams have ever beaten China: Brazil, Turkey and Costa Rica. Since the 2002 World Cup, China has maintained an unbeaten record, and among the winners of the tournament, only Brazil has claimed victory over China. We are very proud of our team!"

Chinese soccer fans are not only mean about their own team but also other countries: "England is nicknamed "The China of Europe" - the team loses a lot of games, but you never know how it will lose. Like China, England will never let you down as long as you are looking to be disappointed."

Another poster wrote: "You heard me: LeBron James and Kobe Bryant haven't gone to Brazil with the United States' soccer team. I don't know any other players."

During a recent appearance on China Central Television, Beckham was asked when China will enter the competition and win it. In response, the former England captain was diplomacy personified, saying that China will be among the 32 teams next time round and will win the tournament one day. The studio audience smiled and maintained an almost embarrassed silence, and one could see the same thought in everyone's eyes: Are you kidding us?