Miloslav "Curby" Urbanec, a 51-year-old Czech soccer fan, has transformed his three-storey house in Bukovka, 90 km east of Prague, into a shrine dedicated to Argentine football. The building is painted in the sky-blue and white of the Argentine team strip and flag, with a huge sun emblem—the central motif of the Argentine flag—prominently displayed on the wall. A life-size statue of the late Diego Maradona guards the courtyard, while a larger-than-life mural of Lionel Messi adorns the back of the house.
Passion Ignited by the 1978 World Cup
Urbanec's obsession began as a four-year-old watching the 1978 World Cup in Argentina with his father. "I completely loved the long hair of the Argentine players like (Mario) Kempes," he said. "They won the World Cup, that was the start of my passion for Argentina, Boca Juniors, for everything about football." Behind his house, an all-weather football pitch is surrounded by placards bearing images of Boca Juniors stars, one of Maradona's former teams.
Customized Vehicles and Family Tribute
Urbanec's van is also painted sky-blue and white, featuring images of Maradona holding the World Cup and Messi, along with the slogan "In Messi we trust" and a custom number plate reading "MARADONA." He named his second son, now seven, Lionel because, he said, it was clear seven years ago that "this guy is absolutely special."
Confidence in Argentina's Victory
Urbanec is confident about Argentina's chances in upcoming tournaments. "La Seleccion this time is absolutely amazing," he said. "I believe 100% we will win again and it will be a beautiful party, not only in Bukovka—around the world, because Argentina play the most beautiful football."
