By Jennie
If you are like me, a typical American sports fan, you don’t really get what the big deal is about soccer (or, as the rest of the world calls it, football). I don’t have anything against the sport, don’t think it’s boring as some non-fans scoff (I guess because it tends to be low-scoring, but I’m a baseball fan, so I have little room to talk). It’s just another sport that I don’t really understand beyond the basics (get the ball into the net; I do know that much), and I don’t have any huge inclination to learn.
However, for much of the rest of the world, soccer is king, and the World Cup is the crowning event. It’s hard not to get a little caught up in others’ excitement, I guess (I feel the same way about the Olympics, a spectacle which I don’t care too much about beyond a few sports, but which other people watch obsessively, from Opening to Closing Ceremonies). I turned on the news yesterday morning to find that local bars were open to accomodate fans who wanted to watch South Africa play Mexico in the opener (home team South Africa managed to eke out a tie against the heavily favored Mexican team).
My mild interest in the tournament has been leavened somewhat by an impromptu office pool organization on Thursday afternoon. Knowing nothing about the teams, not even who had the cutest players, I had to turn to oddsmakers to fill out my ranking sheet. So far, cold, hard science has let me down – in five matches I’ve only managed to score one measly point, when Argentina beat Nigeria today. My chances for glory (and accompanying cash) have grown dim, but I will persevere. Maybe at least I’ll discover who has the cutest players.
How about you? Will you be watching? If so, who are you rooting for (or against)?
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Comments
14 Responses to World Cup 2010 – GOOOOAAAL!
I definitely think a betting pool would increase my interest! Unfortunately, being in HR I don’t get invited to these type of things. Wonder why?
I am not really interested, but I will keep a watch on it. I do remember the last time the World Cup was played, I happened to be visiting a family member in a nursing home. I believe Mexico was playing Spain? Anyway, all the Mexican staff members took a break and met in the TV room to watch (along with some of the patients and their family members). They were so excited and happy rooting for their country, I really got into the spirit – if only for an hour or so.
Now back to American sports – go Celtics!
My European husband is a soccer NUT..imagine how happy he was when he & friends were able to get tickets for 6 games for the WC 4 yrs ago….Unfortuately/Fortunately he did not end up going, because it was too close(in his opinion) to the birth of our first/my second child. Guess we did not plan that very well, but sheesh they sell the tickets a year ahead. So, no I will not complain that when he is home it’s all soccer all the time. I simply smiled when he told me it lasts for a MONTH(who knew)…all I can say is I’m sure glad I have a new blogging hobby, because if I have to listen to that buzzing sound & whistles for a month, I may get a wee bit cranky. I think I’m locked into never ever being able to complain about soccer, because he never ever complained that he missed an opportunity to fufill a life long dream….the baby of course was born well after & he would not have missed a thing, but he does not regret his decision one bit.
Momsby
You have a great husband! That was quite the sacrifice. I am glad you have a new blogging hobby also because I love reading your posts around the internet.
My husband is a sports nut but thankfully for me soccer is not one of them or I would never get a break. I love football ( the American kind) and will watch it at any level. But I know not a lot about soccer. I did watch the match between USA and England the other night and enjoyed that to an extent. I will be rooting for team USA all the way.
Anya,
I agree, a pool always make watching something you are just not that in to so much more fun. Now explain to me why working in HR stops you from getting invited into pools.
My husband only watches sports & news, I don’t watch a whole lot of T.V. so for the most part I just let him & the kid’s wrestle for the remotes…I did draw the line at Darts! I’d rather watch paint peel,I don’t really think it’s a sport, do you? It was always more a social thing at the pub, when I went to school, playing it is fun, but watching? Maybe I’ll get him a dart board for his man room…finally an idea for Father’s Day.
Momsby, who is your husband rooting for? Just curious.
I agree, you have a stand up guy. Especially for not ever once mentioning it again!
Maybe one of these days when your kids are older he will get a second opportunity…!
So far I am 5 for 14 in the pool. @#%^& ties.
I consider myself a non fan, but my interest was piqued after a friend mentioned how nice looking these soccer players were. But I guess watching beautiful men of every nationality was not enough to convert me because I still haven’t watched one game.
He’s cheering for Germany & Jeering the Dutch…it’s a family joke his Dad is German & his mom is Dutch-Canadian.
Canada does not have a team, so I’m cheering for our allies from the South;)
I hope he can go some day too! He, used to travel all over Europe watching games with his buddies (the ones who got to go 4 years ago) they took lots of pictures & toasted his absence with lots of beer.
If it is ever held in Europe or the US, I’ll force him to go..although I don’t think he’ll need a whole lot of convincing.
Teresa…the good looking men do make it ALOT more interesting..I actually played soccer in HS so I don’t mind it. The season is just soooo long, I swear sometimes it is only off my T.V. for the month of December.
We went to a game once on a European holiday it is something I would recommend even if your not a fan. It was really a fun experience, but an almost all day affair. They really do take their soccer seriously.
Momsby,
I am a huge Green Bay Packer fan here. We take our football very serious also in the US. In my house every Sunday is a very long fun day of watching. If we are lucky enough to go to a game, it is all an all day affair.
Pam,
My husband has been to a few NFL games…he says the atmasphere is comparable. I’m a hockey fan myself, I don’t know the rules in football so I find it hard to follow. My area does not have football teams, but the smaller communities really love their hockey. I think it’s what you grow up with..no matter what the sport, it’s fun to share in local traditions & root for the home team. Soccer does seem to be becoming popular with kids in Canada, maybe because it’s more affordable for families than some of the other sports. The little ones are just too cute, chasing the ball in a pack. I hope all my girls will play, I think it’s great to be part of a team sport. It was not as common when I was growing up, but I think it’s important.
I see the USA won a tight one today. Good for them!
Momsby, looks like Germany is playing Ghana today? I’ll be rooting for the best outcome for the Momsby household!
I’m sure everyone is waiting with bated breath for an update on how I’m doing in my office poll. With 40 of 48 first round games played, I have 17 points, meaning I haven’t even gotten the half right that you would think the law of averages would allow for. On the plus side, five of my eight picks for the second round have advanced, and I have hopes for seven of the other eight, meaning I could potentially have 12 of 16 going into the next round, which I think is decent.
I need to get an update on where I’m ranking with others here. I doubt I have any chance at winning, but I want to do well. The weirdest things bring out my competitive instincts!
Jennie,
I am really pulling for you to win that pool or at least do well. Keep us updated.
Congratulations to the USA team for their big win yesterday. Even my oldest son who has not watched a soccer match in his life is now watching and cheering on the US.