To me, this is almost as boring as humans playing soccer. Almost. (Only watch the first minute or so and you’ll get the idea.)
But I must admit that anytime an American team lines up against another country I’m in. I’m all in. I honestly believe I would watch the Tiddlywinks championships if Team USA was up against…pretty much any other country.
So a few days ago, Team USA went up against Team Brazil in the Women’s World Cup. Team USA was seconds from a disastrous ousting from the tournament. The refs had it out hardcore for the Americans calling penalty kicks for no reason and then when our goalkeeper blocked it, the ref called a do over. Seriously. The ref said the Brazilians got ANOTHER penalty kick because one of the Americans moved behind the penalty kick.
So with something like thirty seconds left an amazing thing happened. Truly awesome.
July 13, 2011 at 11:18 pm
sorry matthew but soccer bashing is unbecoming of you. didn't your mother ever tell you that if you can't say anything nice then don't say anything at all?
I've played and coached soccer since I was 13 and i'm pushing 60, plus i'm a native born American raised in Texas. so i'm familiar with football, baseball,basketball, hockey etc. but I don't sit down and whine about how come football takes 4 hours to play what is supposed to be a 60 minute game, or why baseball is exciting if there is but a 1 to nothing score while soccer is considered boring if it is 1-0, basketball doesn't really count until the final minute and hockey well i've bene a few teams and occasionally a game breaks out between fights.
so how about laying off the pseudo-humor and just enjoy the game
July 13, 2011 at 11:29 pm
Yay! USA meets the feisty Japanese on Sunday for the World Cup. It can't get any better!
July 14, 2011 at 12:08 am
Yes, soccer can be boring, but much depends on whether you understand the game. You see, I'm Italian, so soccer is a second nature for me: I am able to appreciate a good ball touch, if the team is playing well and so on, because I practiced it and I know what is difficult, what is genial, what is normal.
Think about that: I find baseball the dullest sport in the world. But the main reason is, I guess, that I haven't played it a single minute in my life. I don't see a good throw, I don't discern the tactic, I have only a gross understanding of the rules.
Everything seems easy or boring for the dilettante. Perhaps there's a reason if soccer is the most popular game in the world.
July 14, 2011 at 1:33 am
Nothing "unbecoming" about "bashing" something – especially a sport – that one doesn't like. And especially good-natured "bashing" of the "pseudo-humor" variety. Some people just don't like soccer (the flopping, alone, is enough to make it just about the lamest sport out there – I'd rather watch curling than that). Enjoy your sport, but grow a thicker skin and get over the fact that many of us don't.
July 14, 2011 at 1:35 am
By the way, all 4 of my kids play soccer and are pretty good at it. And I encourage them to be good at it.
But I still don't see the appeal.
July 14, 2011 at 1:53 am
I have 3 daughters who played/still playing soccer (one at D1 level). Any sport at the youth level can be boring as kids learn skills required to make the game exciting. Each sport requires different skills, and one has to appreciate the few players who daily hone these skills. Basketball and soccer (at HS and college levels) are running games where as baseball is a sit-on-your-butt game and football players need a break between every play. However, the players still have developed certain strengths and skills. The problem with Americans is they are much more offensively minded so like the big scores in bball and fball, but can't appreciate the defensive mentality of a soccer game or hockey. There is also a lot more chances for creativity in these two sports, a creative player can make a huge difference on the field. I've coached softball and soccer (winning teams, by the way) and I think soccer is so much more exciting.
Congrats to the ladies on the US team….. America is proud of you and your "Never give up" mentality! Today's game was almost as exciting as the Brazil game. Congrats to Japan, too…. these ladies are bringing hope to their ravaged nation!
July 14, 2011 at 2:13 am
By the way, robot soccer… BORING!
July 14, 2011 at 11:37 pm
I have no problem with people who find soccer boring – it certainly can seem that way to outsiders to the sport. Baseball, bowling, golf are about as exciting as watching paint dry (at least golf has nice scenery, and who can not like a drink cart?). And what can be more satisfying than watching the Brits suck at yet another game they developed?
Peterk, your description of the other four sports is spot on.