The special beverage fueling Paraguay

They brought it with them special from home and slurp it down during training sessions, stadium visits, and pretty much every other waking moment, but what exactly is that beverage of choice in the leather-bound containers?

Margaritas? Orange Kool-Aid? Cucumber Pepsi?! No! It's terere -- a yerba mate tea prepared with cold water that is Paraguay's national drink. Different variations of terere can also be found in Brazil and Argentina, but it originated in Paraguay and remains an important part of the culture and their national team.

Despite its popularity, the clear green drink is non-alcoholic. It's a stimulant (it contains caffeine) that is often used as a pick-me-up instead of coffee. Like the Paraguayan team have shown in South Africa, drinking terere can be a communal experience. Carried in a thermos and drunk out of a gourd called a cuia or guampa through a metal straw called a bomba or bombilla, sharing terere signifies a trust and a bond that has been evident in this Paraguayan side throughout their improbable run to the quarterfinals.

the rest at the link...

http://g.sports.yahoo.com/soccer/world-cup/blog/dirty-tackle/post/An-explanat...

grz-

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