The World Cup

Which World Cup do you think I am talking about? There is only one that matters, and there is only one Football, no matter what Americans like to call their game, played using "hands". So, you call it Soccer, so what? That word comes from "Football Association" anyway! The real problem here is all the Soccer haters out there, specifically:

A Kick In The Head: Soccer Is Not The Game That ‘The Rest Of The World’ Loves

and,

Introducing: Sports Wonks

Now seriously, after the wonderful drama of the first two Quarterfinal games you want me to waste time on this subject? It is true that the United States DID NOT make it past the Round of 16. But people in the know, people who appreciate the game, have other teams that they cheer for and therefore are still watching the games. Maybe the ratings will not be spectacular (20 Million viewers for the USA - Ghana game), but I believe they will still be respectable.

So let me make a couple of points here. Ethan Epstein over at True/Slant, proposes that other sports are more popular than Soccer in other countries not just the US, so why should it be popular here where sports like American Football, Basketball, and Baseball dominate? Well sure, pick a country, even World Soccer powers like Brazil, Argentina and Spain. You know what, those countries love other sports. It might surprise you to know that Basketball is really really popular in those countries. In fact, their very best players, are actually playing over here, in our league, the NBA, and their national teams, are going to give the US Super Team (made of NBA All Stars) a run for its money this summer at the FIBA World Championships. So what has your argument proven? Here are some soccer powers that can also play basketball. All we're saying is that over the whole world, taking into account every sport, the most popular sport IS SOCCER.

So the Sports Wonks over at FrumForum argue that the "tie" in soccer is Un-American. My friends you're wrong. The "tie" in soccer can be a strategic weapon when used properly, and of course it can therefore be a win. There are competitions in which a tie, means that an away goal gives you the edge. In the early rounds of the World Cup, the tie ensures a so-so team, the chance to advance to the next round of the competition, where it can prove its mettle, by improving its game. And sometimes, if you're playing with 10 players due to an ejection, or red card, you try to hold on to a tie, so that you can still get a point, and maybe then advance out of your group.

It really comes down to understanding the game. Millions of young children in the US play the game of soccer due to its accessibility. Yet, as they grow-up they forget it and gravitate to other games such as American Football, and Baseball. I love these other sports. I wholly embrace them and completely enjoy them. But yet, I do not understand the vitriol surrounding the World Cup tournament which comes around every four years. Just like the Olympics, it is a spectacle. It provides highs and lows. It provides drama and story lines to tell your kids. I still remember fondly the World Cup from 1982 and some magical football games played by Italy, the eventual winners that year. Aah, those are the memories!

Soon, this year's version of the World Cup will be complete. A Champion of the World will be crowned. We will move on to other pursuits. Will Americans watch more games on the MLS? Who knows? I don't dislike the MLS. I just don't think it's a World Class League yet. The best American Players go overseas to play. And the only good foreign players that come here, are past their prime. David Beckham, has been injured for most of his time with the L.A. Galaxy and now Thiery Henry is coming to NY. Until the spectacle improves, I'll watch the occasional game. Until then, it's the World Game I am still in love with. And to you haters I say:

"Get over yourselves!"