Every country has a sport, a game that excites people and fuels nationalistic pride. Depending on the season, there may even be more than one for athletes (armchair and otherwise) to participate in. One of the biggest sport mysteries is why Americans and to a large extent Canadians do not have the same fervor for soccer as every other country in the world. FYI, soccer is actually a word invented by the British.
Soccer or football as it’s appropriately known outside of North America is a game with very simple rules: two teams, one ball, no hands, get the ball into the goal. There is of course a lot of strategy and positioning — defensive vs. offensive — involved but football is likely one of the first organized games that children learn. All you really need is an open area or field and a ball, no skates, mitts, pads, or helmets.
Soccer players are among the most physically fit and agile of athletes. The professional soccer field is minimum 100 meters long (110 yards) and 64 meters wide (70 yards). This is about the same length but comparatively wider than the typical American football field. With games up to 90 minutes long (2 halves of 45 minutes), it takes a lot of endurance for soccer players to run the plays and cover the field.
World Cup 2010
Based on the success of the USA women’s soccer team in the 2004 Olympics, there has been more awareness of the sport. Immigrants and expats also bring the love of the game with them to North America. With this year’s World Cup, there has been an upsurge in interest in the United States especially given the early match up between USA and England. Many in both countries watched the game live and the tied game was counted as an upset for England and a win for the USA men’s team given the historical football prowess of England. (For those who missed the game, watch the Lego recreation.)
Is there finally enough momentum for football (soccer) to take off in the United States? Every four years, with every World Cup, there seem to be more bars and venues hosting FIFA, soccer-related events and more sports reporting on TV. Expats certainly have more opportunities than ever if they wanted to cheer for their team. With more exposure, Americans may finally appreciate the game and the athletes and be a sport even if football isn’t a sport that the United States is dominant in.
