Sorts of Sports

Ah it’s finally that time of the year again, football season. That’s right the EPL is back in action (yea, yea I missed a week get over it you’ll live).This Saturday on ESPN 2 Arsenal host Premier League new boys Blackpool in a David vs Goliath type match-up only this time Goliath will have an “Arsenal” on his side.

We’ve all seen the YouTube videos posted on Facebook featuring Americans crowded around a television at a local bar during the wee hours of the morning, drinking cold beers, and anticipating a win from our beloved USA team. We’ve seen the reactions on their faces captured and combined to highlight the exhilarating feelings that accompany a goal or a heart-breaking off-sides call. Either way the World Cup has been the focus of the world this summer. Everywhere you go a television is set up so a quick glance at the score can be taken or every single pass can be seen.

Imagine if the United States cared about Soccer?

"We had horrible luck," said Landon Donovan. "I don't know if we pissed someone off somewhere and our karma is coming back or what."

That quote is after a stunning 2 - 1 loss to Ghana in 2006. Donovan is most clearly referring to the mystery penalty shot called on Oguchi Onyewu. So its a rematch from 2006. The problem in 2006 (beyond the referees) was United States made significant defensive errors, quite similar to 2010‘s lapses.

In 2002, the US were ousted by Germany after an apparent hand ball prevented a goal. This was tough. USA soccer did not have the following it has now, back in 2002. However by advancing out of their group, it appeared the US had gained a bigger following. By exceeding expectations, America rallied behind the Yanks helping them defeat Mexico. The loss to Germany, although devastating also left America with a gigantic sense of pride. Advancing further than hoped, and putting up a solid showing gave Americans hope that in 4 years, the team would be more experienced.

Editors Note: Introducing Dan to the team

So each team started playing their final games for the opening round of the 2010 FIFA World Cup. The fields have looked spectacular, the crowd is lively with their vuvuzelas. I don’t get why they cant just call it “A Horn” You know, like Alec Baldwin says to his son Dildo in Outside Providence. Or when his poker buddy chimes in “Hey Satchmo, why don’t you play us a couple of notes”. Here's a little breakdown by each Group up through the first round.

I was googling for some World Cup soccer highlights to give an idea of how 'interesting' this World Cup has been. The internet doesn't have much when you google "world cup"+"interesting".... except this.

It's World Cup Fever time and 90% of North Americans become soccer pink hats for the unity of their nation. It is the most popular sport in the world and we as North Americans pay little attention to it. Did you know that they have a soccer team in Seattle these days? They can't keep an NBA team, but soccer.... impressive.