You know, it was a damn good game. 90 minutes - 45 non-stop. Tough, like football. What's the problem? It, at least, really is a "world game" whether we like it or not. 20,000 people from the USA flew down and showed up. It's not like a "World Series" that doesn't involve the world, period. Or the "Superbowl" which is, what? Not the world. The Stanley Cut is probably closest to a "world game" but really isn't. Some people have nothing to do but bitch about it. Sure, it's on ESPN 1, 2 and 3. So what? Better than watching lacrosse or minor league baseball. That's for damn sure.
The World Cup has been fantastic and for the dinosaurs and others who don't get it just change the channel. You will be happier and so will those of us who are tired of soccer bashers.
As a Soccer Mom... I'm amazed at the World Cup enthusiasm we finally see coming from the USA this year. After attending World Cup France-98 and watching France win the Cup that year...we experienced so much humble pride, courage & class from the French. (Not at all US Football Flavor)
Once you perceive the game, you see the total simplicity, synchronization, team-work and natural beauty of the human body-in-action!
As 'The Way Too Late Show' guy said: "Soccer/Footbal" is the 'Chess' of human physical performance.
Plus...It's very cool having connection/camaraderie with the world and being able to play games together!
Rich, you're part of the 'yesterday' view of sports in America group. Neanderthal guys like John Madden, Gary Radnich et. al. who only cared about U.S. things like Baseball, Football, and had no interest in the rest of the World. The prior generation of immigrants (our parents) tried to distance themselves from their roots...and denounced their old countries. This is not so with the recent immigrants who love the U.S., but also love their former countries. Our country is changing, and is much more accepting of worldly things and the realization that yes there are other nice places in the world and that other countries traditions (such as soccer) are worthy of our attention and appreciation. Better check those ESPN ratings. It will be interesting to see the U.S. sports landscape in 50 years.....wouldn't be surprised if American Football, with all the injury issues, is considerably diminished in interest.
The popularity of American football may wane in the coming years, but those same injury issues (particularly in regard to concussions) could also have a significant impact on the popularity/participation/rules of sports like ice hockey and soccer.
Hooray, the U.S. finally is out of contention in the World Cup. Can we finally get back to real sports as usual? I'm so tired of these band wagon sports talk hosts telling us that they didn't use to like soccer, but now they understand the game and they really like it. What's to understand? It may be a fine activity for the players, but trying to watch it is borrrrriiiinggg!!! There's no strategy, no real drama. It's just an non-ending series of dribbling, heading, passing and kicking. Then, if it ends in a tie, you've got a shoot-out to determine who gets lucky with a straight-on kick into the net. What a waste of time!!!
Are they reacting to the match, or the alcohol?
ReplyDeleteYou know, it was a damn good game. 90 minutes - 45 non-stop. Tough, like football. What's the problem? It, at least, really is a "world game" whether we like it or not. 20,000 people from the USA flew down and showed up. It's not like a "World Series" that doesn't involve the world, period. Or the "Superbowl" which is, what? Not the world. The Stanley Cut is probably closest to a "world game" but really isn't. Some people have nothing to do but bitch about it. Sure, it's on ESPN 1, 2 and 3. So what? Better than watching lacrosse or minor league baseball. That's for damn sure.
ReplyDeleteThose who overreact and criticize the players the loudest are usually those who never played a sport in their lives!
ReplyDeleteThat is very true, 12:39!
DeleteThe World Cup has been fantastic and for the dinosaurs and others who don't get it just change the channel. You will be happier and so will those of us who are tired of soccer bashers.
ReplyDeleteAs a Soccer Mom...
ReplyDeleteI'm amazed at the World Cup enthusiasm we finally see coming from the USA this year. After attending World Cup France-98 and watching France win the Cup that year...we experienced so much humble pride, courage & class from the French. (Not at all US Football Flavor)
Once you perceive the game, you see the total simplicity, synchronization, team-work and natural beauty of the human body-in-action!
As 'The Way Too Late Show' guy said:
"Soccer/Footbal" is the 'Chess' of human physical performance.
Plus...It's very cool having connection/camaraderie with the world and being able to play games together!
"World Cup Fever Grips America –
ReplyDeletebut can soccer make it mainstream?"
http://www.theguardian.com/football/2014/jun/23/world-cup-soccer-interest-mainstream
Rich, you're part of the 'yesterday' view of sports in America group. Neanderthal guys like John Madden, Gary Radnich et. al. who only cared about U.S. things like Baseball, Football, and had no interest in the rest of the World. The prior generation of immigrants (our parents) tried to distance themselves from their roots...and denounced their old countries. This is not so with the recent immigrants who love the U.S., but also love their former countries. Our country is changing, and is much more accepting of worldly things and the realization that yes there are other nice places in the world and that other countries traditions (such as soccer) are worthy of our attention and appreciation. Better check those ESPN ratings. It will be interesting to see the U.S. sports landscape in 50 years.....wouldn't be surprised if American Football, with all the injury issues, is considerably diminished in interest.
ReplyDelete12:32,
DeleteThe popularity of American football may wane in the coming years, but those same injury issues (particularly in regard to concussions) could also have a significant impact on the popularity/participation/rules of sports like ice hockey and soccer.
The other crap that you wrote is utter figment.
Hooray, the U.S. finally is out of contention in the World Cup. Can we finally get back to real sports as usual? I'm so tired of these band wagon sports talk hosts telling us that they didn't use to like soccer, but now they understand the game and they really like it. What's to understand? It may be a fine activity for the players, but trying to watch it is borrrrriiiinggg!!! There's no strategy, no real drama. It's just an non-ending series of dribbling, heading, passing and kicking. Then, if it ends in a tie, you've got a shoot-out to determine who gets lucky with a straight-on kick into the net. What a waste of time!!!
ReplyDelete