Tuesday, June 17, 2014
U.S.A.! U.S.A.!
Maybe it is the fact that I work within earshot of Britt's, the home of Minnesota's loudest soccer fans. Maybe it is the odd spate of scoring that has occurred. Maybe it is the mascot, pictured here. For whatever reason, I'm getting pulled into caring about the World Cup.
That doesn't mean I understand it, though. Here are some interesting facts I've gleaned so far:
1) Japan seems to be the most interesting team in some ways. They chose Pikachu as their mascot. Really. And their fans used blue trash bags to clean up their section after the teams opening loss to the Ivory Coast.
2) It's truly a world game, but how is it that India and China are not a factor? The Chinese have qualified only once, in 2002, and they failed to even score a goal-- yet 170 million Chinese families bought television sets so they could watch those three games! India seems less interested, and never has qualified for the big show.
3) It seems like every kid in the US plays soccer when they are little, and then 98% stop between ages 10 and 14. What's up with that?
4) And I understanding this right? No one except the ref knows when the game is going to end? I can't figure out if that is crazy or the most awesome rule ever...
Comments:
<< Home
1. Japan is the most interesting country in a lot of ways, period. It seems like they decide to be good at something, and then they get good at it.
2. China is a regional power in club soccer. They consistently compete deep into the AFC Cup. They just can't seem to get past regional powerhouses like Iran, Australia, and Japan in international soccer. India is a world power in cricket. They've only had a domestic soccer league for a couple years. Soccer develops slowly, and India and China will get there in a few generations.
3. No answer, but the US will consistently get better on the international stage.
4. YES. It is the most awsome rule ever. Watch the last 10 minutes (or so) of any game that matters, and you will see why. I watched a Mexican second division playoff game once that was 1-0 at the 80th minute and ended 5-4.
2. China is a regional power in club soccer. They consistently compete deep into the AFC Cup. They just can't seem to get past regional powerhouses like Iran, Australia, and Japan in international soccer. India is a world power in cricket. They've only had a domestic soccer league for a couple years. Soccer develops slowly, and India and China will get there in a few generations.
3. No answer, but the US will consistently get better on the international stage.
4. YES. It is the most awsome rule ever. Watch the last 10 minutes (or so) of any game that matters, and you will see why. I watched a Mexican second division playoff game once that was 1-0 at the 80th minute and ended 5-4.
The answer to 3. is:
"Soccer Momism: related to why kids flee the piano as soon as Mom wearies of nagging and threatening them to practice."
Post a Comment
"Soccer Momism: related to why kids flee the piano as soon as Mom wearies of nagging and threatening them to practice."
# posted by 
: 10:09 PM
: 10:09 PM << Home
