Soccer is one of those sports that reminds me of my childhood. When I was a kid in Indonesia, I remembered the people around me stood still watching the game. Back then, I thought they just loved the game. Now, I know it was all about the gambling friendly bets.
When I was in grade school, we also played some soccer. I remembered the game required stamina and athleticism. Being a nerd, I hated running around the field. Thankfully, the teacher let me became a field referee. It was a tough job, being fair and disliked by both sides. But at least I was part of the game!
Now, with the 2010 World Cup Soccer is on high gear, I’m watching it with great anticipation and intrigue. I’m disappointed the Canadian team didn’t make it to the World Cup – again. So, my next obvious choice is to root for the Americans. They put up a great effort against England, Slovenia, and Algeria. Despite of botched call by the ref, they scored a dramatic advance to Group 16. The US soccer team has certainly captured people’s attention and adoration. They have my respect, even if they don’t win this World Cup.
The US was not the only one that got my attention. The South Korean team put up a valiant fight against Nigeria, and the genuine emotion and prayers for advancing to Group 16. Also, a nice surprise is seeing Japan advancing.
But soccer can be a hive of scum and villainy. Leading the way is the disgraced French team – not only the French got sent home early, they managed to make everyone hate them, including their own coach. Then there’s the overabundance of dives and faking the pain of being kicked and cajoled (aka “Floppers“). I know soccer is not an easy game to play – but come on, it’s time to man up and show your soccer skills, not acting skills!
And don’t get me started with those annoying vuvuzelas!
Anyway, the game has a worldwide appeal and I love world games, such as the Olympics and Golf Major Championships. Soccer is the once-every-4-years event that truly deserves the title “World Cup”.
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Hi Rudy,
I haven’t been following the world cup very closely, but I just watched Invictus (great movie)… about South Africa’s rugby team and the rugby world cup…
One of the rugby players had a great quote, “Soccer is a gentleman’s game played by hooligans. Rugby is a hooligan’s game played by gentlemen.”
Steve
Hey Steve,
I watched Invictus, and the movie was kinda boring to me. There’s really no drama in it, and we all knew how it was gonna end. The only redeeming quality was Morgan Freeman’s performance as Nelson Mandela. Other than that, it was a snoozer.
I also agree that soccer is a hooligan’s sport, but that’s half of the fun – the controversy. 😉
hey Rudy,
I won’t disagree with your review of Invictus, though it was interesting to learn a bit more about Nelson Mandela. The scene with the prison cell he lived in for 26 years(?) was sobering. In any event, I just really liked that quote. Maybe I’ll have to watch more rugby and soccer. 🙂 Steve
I was wondering what that buzzing sound was! I can’t believe they give those things out for free!
I asked someone at a restaurant (who had it on their customer TV) what that buzzing sound was a few weeks ago- no one knew. I assumed the shape of the building was just acoustically horrid.
Hey David,
They have several venues near Johannesburg area, so I doubt ALL of the buildings were poor constructed.
Now that the world cup is over, I sure hope FIFA goes ahead and ban those darn vuvuzelas from future events.