Spike Lee, movie director, actor

Shelton Jackson Lee (born in 1957 in Atlanta, USA), better known as Spike Lee, is a recognized director, producer, writer, and actor since his first film She's Gotta Have It in 1985. A huge Arsenal fan and personal friend of team captain Thierry Henry, he is often known to wear Arsenal jerseys while on set. He will be directing the CBS legal drama Shark in the autumn of 2006.

Which game did you see?
I've seen them all. I mean, they come on at 9.00 am here in the United States so all the office is watching. For me in America, it's better that the games are being played in Europe, because at the last World Cup, the games were being played at 2 or 3 in the morning. However, I'm looking forward to the games in South Africa, I'll definitely be going there in 2010.

Which team do you support?
Brazil. I'm not being unpatriotic. I just like the way they play. The style they play. If you like an analogy; the way Americans play basketball, that's how Brazilians play football. It's flamboyant.

Do you see much football?
I rarely go to the games here in the US, but when I'm in London, I go. I'm an Arsenal supporter and Thierry Henry is my favourite. We are good friends. I love him. Even before I met him, I admired his game. He is just so graceful.

Is it what you expect from a football player?
I mean, I'm not going to make a blank statement like saying everybody should play the same, we need different qualities for different positions.

What did you think of the French game?
When are they going to score? They haven't scored a goal during a World Cup since they won it in 1998!

Are coming in Germany?
Sure! I'm taking my son to both semi-finals. Jackson is nine-years-old. He plays in a youth soccer league. He's very excited. He's been to Europe before, but he's still very excited. It's a father-son trip. It's just him and his daddy. We're leaving from JFK, flying straight to Munich before going on to Dortmund.

Does your son also support Brazil?
Of course! He's got a Ronaldinho shirt!

What makes going to a game special?
You get to see more on TV. But you can't duplicate the feeling, the roar of the crowd, the fever, the passion, and tens of thousands of people screaming, all supporting their team.

What kind of fan are you?
I'm a big sports fan: for basketball, for baseball, New York Yankees…I love all sports and, you know, I scream and yell and shout. And I'll do the same thing when I'm in Germany!

Which team has impressed or worried you?
Czech Republic looks strong, so does Italy. There is one person I'm worried about: Ronaldo! When I watched him against Croatia, he wasn't even running! It's like…I don't know if he's hurt, or if he's out of shape. He looked disinterested. I would have rather Brazil have played Robinho.

Would you like to send a message to anyone?
Yes, I would like to congratulate FIFA and also the German organisers, they're really trying to crack down on prejudice, on and off the pitch. As an African-American, a citizen of the world, I thank them for that, because there's no place for this in the great game of football.