why "Italy are champions" & not "Italy is champion" when "Italy" is only one country?

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why "Italy are champions" & not "Italy is champion" when "Italy" is only one country?

2006-07-12 05:26:08 · 4 answers · asked by rina n 1 in Education & Reference ➔ Words & Wordplay

4 answers

Because I think it is because that the team sport of football has more than one player in the team and therefore champions. Whereas Cannavaro, an individual would be deemed as a world champion winner, therefore he is a champion..

2006-07-12 05:33:49 · answer #1 · answered by brogdenuk 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋

To be honest, that's a very good question! I think it's best that you put it down to one of the quirks of the English Language.

2006-07-12 05:51:05 · answer #2 · answered by brainyandy 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋

"Italy are champions"....
Doesn't sound right

2006-07-12 05:31:11 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋

is should be the italians are the chapmions

2006-07-12 08:46:45 · answer #4 · answered by kool kat 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋