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Watching World Cup Made Me Realize Why I Dislike Soccer |
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Well the FIFA World Cup is over... finally. I did follow the tournament, but following it is different than watching it. I have tried at various times to watch soccer with an open mind about the sport. I've tried to enjoy the games, but I just can't.
Every time the World Cup comes and goes, I come to the same conclusion: I'm just not a fan of the sport and I don't think I ever will be.
With that said, the atmosphere surrounding the World Cup of Soccer is quite the spectacle. It was very interesting to follow the various goings on from match to match, or for that matter country to country. It’s pretty neat watching the fans and seeing the live "reaction" shots back in the participating countries – now, that looks like fun!
Also, I must admit that I did enjoy taking in the USA vs. Belgium while I was in Wildwood, NJ. We were at an awesome bar called Owen’s Pub. The place was packed and the patrons were really into the game. It’s too bad that the U.S. lost because I would have gladly gone back for the next game, if only for the atmosphere and another of their frosty beer.
I respect and appreciate the worldwide appeal of soccer. In many poorer countries, this team sport is pretty much is all they have, because anyone can play. No expensive equipment needed. In Europe, there are club teams with great traditions and national teams with storied histories.
I get all that. Even so, I find the game itself dreadfully boring.
The final between Argentina and Germany had a total of 9 shots on net – 7 for Germany and only 2 for Argentina. Nine shots on net 90-plus minutes. Come on!
Each side had 10 shots attempts each at the net, wow that is some thrilling action. I understand there's strategy involved. However, having having never played the game or gotten into it a fan, I find it hard to care about seeing these strategies unfold. The lack of action for very long stretches makes me lose interest.
I’ll compare the game of soccer to the other major sports, as view them:
Basketball: Every 24 seconds. an attempt has to be made to score. It is exciting, even if you are not a fan of the game and all the late-game timeout.s
Football: The team is rewarded with a new set of downs by moving the ball forward. There's down time but also bursts of action at every snap of the ball.
Baseball: While some could say that a baseball game can be slow or, I guess, boring but at least there is action with every pitch. There is baserunning strategy. In fact, on every pitch there is an easy-to-follow offensive and defensive strategy that takes place.
Hockey: A sport of speed, skill, body contact. The game changes from defence to offence at the blink of eye. With only 200 feet to travel from end-to-end, there are many more shots and scoring attempts than in soccer.
Soccer: A three-goal game is considered a high-scoring affair. Not much fun.
Beyond the lack of action, the thing I really do not like about soccer is simply this: I need the athletes that I cheer for to be real. I want them to show courage. I need them to be willing to leave it all on the field of play. Unfortunately, I do not see those traits very often when I watch soccer, and therefore I will never be a true fan.
A quick word association game. Thee are the three words that pop into my mind.
Football player: agile, powerful, strong
Basketball player: graceful, explosive, speedy
Baseball player: focused, coordinated, persistent
Hockey player: physically skilled, physically tough, mentally tough
Soccer player: Diver, whiner, wimp
There is no denying that soccer is here to stay in North America. The TV ratings and eccer-increasing youth soccer enrollments numbers show that. But far too many share my opinion of the soccer athlete, and so for that reason alone I feel that soccer will never reach the success of the other major sports in North America.
We like our athletes tough, with a go-for-it attitude and a willingness to sacrifice to win. In my mind, soccer is just not that sport.
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