Nice piece, Ed. Three of my four children played soccer when they were very young. I saw their games progress from a bunch of excited children chasing and clustering around the ball to real position play, etc. None of them played in high school. My youngest son’s roommate in college is from London, so that got him interested in the Premier League. I was never a fan (in a manner of speaking) until now. The lure of the World Cup has led me into watching more soccer games over the past couple of weeks than what I’ve seen in my lifetime. (Even the commercials are great.) Watching the Norwegians row, the Scots take over Boston, and other cultures express themselves loudly, enthusiastically, and joyfully has been a delight. And I’ve gained an appreciation of the skills and athleticism of the game. I’ll be watching until France wins it again. Until then, it’s been fun watching some of the minnows take a bite out of the sharks.
If I may offer a more negative view. For all the athleticism on exhibit for a few split seconds, there is an awful lot of just hanging around. Like baseball, to be honest. But, with such a huge goal area, one would expect a lot more goals than actually occur. But the thing that really turns me off is this: Never knowing definitively when the match is about to be over. There is no sport that I know of that ends arbitrarily on an official's whistle. To me that smacks of corruption, or at least the appearance thereof. And certainly international "football" has not been a stranger to corruption. So, if you take it that I am NOT a FAN, you'd be right. Maybe I'm just in a bad mood given what the Sox just did to my Yankees.
As a mother of 3 sons,I remember my first soccer game experience. Pretty much like yours. But like you, after adding 7 grandsons to the family, I was forced to learn the rules. Soccer is so much more exciting to watch at the high school level than football (American style, that is)
Ed, yes, we also watched our granddaughters play many sports from middle school to High school and enjoyed all the events. Basketball, softball and soccer. Now soccer was not a main event growing up in the 40S and 50S and I can't get into it today although watching a bit today I admire the abilities of the players.
Ed, my condolences that Italia is not playing. I suggest Allez Les Bleus! It’s been my team since 1998. Not that I’m an expert at the games. But, having watched my daughter play for years, I love “the beautiful sport!”
One is never too old to learn new things. Soccer is and extraordinary sport where teamwork, strategy, patience and endurance are paramount. I'm so glad your grandchildren didn't follow WWF or Mixed Martial Arts events or else I fear you would be wearing spandex leotards, face paint and taking testosterone supplements.
Nice piece, Ed. Three of my four children played soccer when they were very young. I saw their games progress from a bunch of excited children chasing and clustering around the ball to real position play, etc. None of them played in high school. My youngest son’s roommate in college is from London, so that got him interested in the Premier League. I was never a fan (in a manner of speaking) until now. The lure of the World Cup has led me into watching more soccer games over the past couple of weeks than what I’ve seen in my lifetime. (Even the commercials are great.) Watching the Norwegians row, the Scots take over Boston, and other cultures express themselves loudly, enthusiastically, and joyfully has been a delight. And I’ve gained an appreciation of the skills and athleticism of the game. I’ll be watching until France wins it again. Until then, it’s been fun watching some of the minnows take a bite out of the sharks.
George, I agree. The fans have brought joy and a culture that makes me feel good. And added value to the game. Thanks for the comments.
Yup, I'm hooked
Hi Ed,
If I may offer a more negative view. For all the athleticism on exhibit for a few split seconds, there is an awful lot of just hanging around. Like baseball, to be honest. But, with such a huge goal area, one would expect a lot more goals than actually occur. But the thing that really turns me off is this: Never knowing definitively when the match is about to be over. There is no sport that I know of that ends arbitrarily on an official's whistle. To me that smacks of corruption, or at least the appearance thereof. And certainly international "football" has not been a stranger to corruption. So, if you take it that I am NOT a FAN, you'd be right. Maybe I'm just in a bad mood given what the Sox just did to my Yankees.
Great note, Ron. And funny.
Yes, at one time, I was at the same point, but my thinking has changed.
Not about the Yankee sweep, however.
I am a longstanding Sox fan; this year, I'm going down with the ship. So a little daylight last weekend went a long way.
Happy 4th
As a mother of 3 sons,I remember my first soccer game experience. Pretty much like yours. But like you, after adding 7 grandsons to the family, I was forced to learn the rules. Soccer is so much more exciting to watch at the high school level than football (American style, that is)
Yes, Shirley. As you can see, I'm hooked.
Ed, yes, we also watched our granddaughters play many sports from middle school to High school and enjoyed all the events. Basketball, softball and soccer. Now soccer was not a main event growing up in the 40S and 50S and I can't get into it today although watching a bit today I admire the abilities of the players.
Remarkable athletes. I'm enjoying the matches
Indeed.
Ed
Did you get my email regarding Bud?
Dick
Yes, Dick, I did and responded to you. Thanks again
I'm calling your bluff. I think the whole crew needs to see our soccer warrior.
Hang on . . .
Ed, my condolences that Italia is not playing. I suggest Allez Les Bleus! It’s been my team since 1998. Not that I’m an expert at the games. But, having watched my daughter play for years, I love “the beautiful sport!”
Yes, poor Italians spending time with psychiatrists rather than watching. It sure is fun to watch the great athletes.
One is never too old to learn new things. Soccer is and extraordinary sport where teamwork, strategy, patience and endurance are paramount. I'm so glad your grandchildren didn't follow WWF or Mixed Martial Arts events or else I fear you would be wearing spandex leotards, face paint and taking testosterone supplements.
I wear Spandex and face paint for the games. That's what fan(atics) do, my friend. Do you want a photo?