Most people in the world get it and a lot of sports fans in North America don't.
Football. Futbol. Soccer.
Some of you may not know but the world under-20 World Cup is happening here in Toronto right now. Combine that with the local excitement of having the new MLS Toronto FC here in town and the recent Copa America, there is no shortage of football to see right now.
You can get a good appreciation for the level of support simply by listening to the commentary. On one side, you have the crazed passions of Latin American commentators we get to enjoy on some of our local Italian and Spanish language TV - GOL GOL GOL ! Then on the other hand, the very dull commentary of CBC coverage of the U-20's. And somewhere in between, the childlike enthusiasm of MLS commentators. As the MLS season continues, the U-20's wrap up on Sunday, the English Premiere League is just around the corner - olé - olé olé olé.
Football is one of those games that is appreciated by amateur players of the game, but stands above every other sport in the world because of it's global and universal appeal, it's simplicity and its rich local and national legacies.
However, those passions can sometimes get a little overheated. Case in point - last night's U-20 semi final. Not only was it a hotly contested Latin rivalry, but player tempers boiled over way after game time - see Chilean soccer team involved in melee with police. But as many people would agree, the importance of football to many young people in the world may be understandable. Similar to African American basketball players in the US, football players in Latin American see football as a way to escape their underprivileged communities and make a living (for themselves and family) by playing the game they love. It's not an easy path to the top and when something rightly or wrongly stands in their way to fame and fortune, attitudes get predictably skewed.
I've been lucky to see some great football of late, including a couple of exciting Toronto FC games plus the U-20 Quarter final game between the US and Austria. Plus a small bonus the other day as we had to rearrange our ultimate field because the Argentina U-20's boys were knocking it around next to us. Subbing in now and again and playing a little over the winter keeps my footy skills in tune and I'm only a few breaths away from diving in a coaching my son again. It's fair to say, football is quite a big part of my life.
I've often tried to explain the intensity of the sport to North Americans. I ask if they could picture one sport that combines the legacies, fan support and history across the NBA, NHL, NFL and major league baseball. Imagine the rivalries and intensity with the Chicago Cubs, Toronto Maple Leafs, Dallas Cowboys and Boston Red Sox in one sport !
And coming back around, this passion for football is what makes it a great spectacle. Perhaps you're not at the point of civil riot, but I'm sure little kid's ears are often covered when England loses on penalty kicks. Add in the memories of kids pretending to be Bobby Moore and Pele and now Beckham, kicking it around in the back yard; being in full voice supporting your local squad; coming home bruised and muddy after a "friendly recreational game"; or coaching kids who really want to improve their game - there are lots of reasons for the passion of the game.
If it was just passion and simplicity and global appeal, then maybe wrestling would be a substitute for football. However, the physical elements and game strategy do make it a great sport. You just try and chest down a high cross to your right foot, move it over to your left and strike for goal with a neanderthal defender breathing down your neck. Or more impressively, stand your ground to an advancing bull, aka Wayne Rooney. The game is one of ebb and flow, taking risky chances, brave sliding or aerial challenges, thunder strikes or ballet-like touches and stamina.
I liked the game as a youngster, appreciated the game playing against strong opponents and now love it for all of the above reasons and more.
2 comments:
I may have jumped the gun a little on using the Chilean story as a true example of football's passion. Lots of debate still occurring on reasons for Wednesday's incident. Police tactics all too familiar to Chile's memories of violence under Pinochet.
Latest story as final occurs later today...Chile supporters planning protest
On other sports passions, just saw an interview with Jean Van Der Velde. Perhaps a bad example of passion in sports. But, on the positive side, someone who seems to be able to put things in perspective and believes winning isn't everything.
OK.
I can't resist, I have way too much to say here... so sit back, crack a beer, and be patient. Phil, you're not alone, I too have tried to "inspire" my American friends to love soccer the way the rest of the world does, but time and time again I am met with that same look one gets when gushing over the latest foreign film, or the subtle nuances of a lovely German Pilsner.... the Budweiser nation of pop culture just isn't patient enough.
American's (god love them), are the ADHD citizens of the world. Is it any suprise that folks with attentions spans similar to that of a Boston Terrier are unable to concentrate for more than 5 minutes? Unless it's moving fast, forward, and racking up lots of points, its of no interest!
To love soccer one has to love a lot more than scoring. You have to love the tactics and chess like manouvers, the traditions and rivalries, the anticipation, the patience, the skill off the ball, the skill on the ball, the singing and chanting, and the athletics.
Most American sports are designed for high and simple scoring, often at the expense of thoughftulness. Basketball scores in the 100's, Football scores in the 30's, Nascar crashes in the teens, and fights last until near death... it is all about extremes, and rarely about beauty.
The only anomoly here is BASEBALL.... this is basically the closest one gets to the world's love of soccer.
For those not familier with this great American tradition, imagine a professional darts player in tight white knickers and a hat, beer gut and all, chewing tobaco instead of holding a pint, throwing a ball instead of an arrow at a target.... yes, baseball is the only sport in America that is about as thrilling to watch as snooker, and yet Americans do.... all the time!
Much like European football, Baseball is inbedded in an Amercan's psyche, it is apple pie and nostalgia more than sport. Teams are passed down generation to generation, stadiums are like cathedrals, and games are played even if other folk have to work, baseball IS tradition in America.
Much like soccer, to appreciate baseball you must love the subtle plays as much as the big picture. A perfect Beckham cross that results in nothing is no less thrilling than the perfect pitch that forces a pop fly... its quitely brillint and yet to the novice.. boring and un-eventful!
Perhaps American's will never truly embrace soccer, but reminding them of baseball's idiosycncrasis might at least trigger a new sense of appreciation for it. Now if we could only replace the 7th inning stretch with some drunken pub songs and chanting we might get somewhere!
-Dick
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