Stream of Consciousness: The World Cup
The international sports world is throwing a party. FIFA is the host, with Brazil opening its doors to thirty two nations this year in the name of fun and fútbol. While some party goers like the Netherlands and Germany flock to the spotlight of the World Cup, the United States sits quietly in the corner. As a nation we attend the show, but it seems at times we are just happy to be there.
But why? While the rest of the world is whipped into a tizzy, literally swelling from anticipation, the average sports fan in the states barely feels the World Cup ripple. Shouldn’t we at least pretend to care about the neighborhood’s Brazilian ‘festa’? Yes, yes we should. But what is preventing soccer from entering the upper echelon of mainstream American sports like football, baseball and basketball? What’s the fuss with people who protest the tournament? How does money determine the popularity of American sport? My thoughts on the World Cup:
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The American
There are many pros and cons to soccer, like any game. The excitement is fused with national pride and the natural competitive spirit to create a wildly entertaining experience whether a person attends the match or watches from home.
2014 is the second year I have actively watched or “participated” as a fan. I won’t claim to be an expert on the nuances and intricacies of soccer, so my ability to fully appreciate the sport may be handicapped. But boy, it’s a beautiful game. The simplicity of a touch here and there leading to a devastating strike past the keeper, sending the 70,000 fans into a frenzied roar is something to behold. It’s chilling stuff. Each attack probes and prods the defense in seeming uncertainty, but each pass is calculated and precise. All the while they search for the exact opportunity to execute and score.
Admittedly, most fans are turned off by some of the ‘flopping’ antics the players use to draw the referee’s attention to fouls. It slows down the game but it is an issue that will remain. In a game where mere seconds could be the difference between national glory and elimination, the players seem to be content with taking every opportunity to gain an edge. This mentality is frowned upon as unsportsmanlike or weak, but tactically, it is shrewdly advantageous. A severe penalty to eliminate flopping would benefit the game.
The overall skill of the athletes is right there with the NBA, NFL, and MLB. I can tolerate any slow stretches in a match after the excitement of a goal. The overall impact the tournament has on a city rivals the Olympics. Still, soccer lags behind the many mainstream American sports in popularity with American fans. They want the non-stop action seen in American football or basketball, but don’t appreciate the action soccer already offers.
So while the international fútbolers are the crème de la crop, in America, the most talented athletes have chosen to pursue the “Big Three.” If the popularity of the sport grows, we might see the next Russell Westbrook, Adrian Peterson, or Mike Trout turn to the pitch as a youngster. More adept American athletes in the MLS and on Team USA could legitimize the sport in people’s minds.
Facts and Fantasy
Lost in the fray is the sheer magnitude of this event. The World Cup also commands an impressive worldwide audience estimated at nearly 350 million people tuning in to watch the 2010 edition. That figure triples the largest television event in US history with last year’s Super Bowl recording around 111 million viewers. This is a big, stinking deal for everyone on the planet but us.
There is such an insatiable appetite for sports in the U.S. Sports news is consumed almost faster than it can be made, and social media has become an entirely new aspect of the viewing experience. On the other side of the positive publicity for the sport, there is a group of people who attack the Brazilian government for hosting the games due to poor “economic timing.” But doubters take note:
Brazil spent around $3.6 billion building seven new stadiums and renovating five old ones to accommodate the 64 matches. The economic impact of such a massive project has benefited Brazil considerably. Despite activists, protesters and pictures like this one bashing the Brazilian government’s lavish spending, the World Cup has done more to help than hurt. The percentage of people living below the poverty line has been cut in half since Brazil made the bid for the tournament in 2003. For each dollar Brazil has spent on the World Cup preparations, they have spent $200 dollars on healthcare and the improvement of living conditions. The World Cup has yet to finish doling out financial benefits for its host nation.
Money Games
An interesting explanation for soccer’s rather mysterious exclusion from “America’s favorite sport” club lies in the dough. Think for a minute. How much of a hockey game, or tennis match, or baseball, football, golf, or basketball game to you spend watching commercials? Often times it seems like we sit down to watch commercials and a football game breaks out on TV. With soccer, they have one break from first kick to the final whistle. If they went to commercial during the match, what would they do if a goal was scored? What would happen if teams had timeouts? Advertising doesn’t play as big of a role, so what is the motivation for businesses to become invested in the sport. It’s just an observation, but they do say money makes the world go ‘round. Even the sports world.
This year’s Cup is shaping up to be as entertaining as we have ever seen. There are great athletes, compelling stories, and a growing fan base in the United States. What’s not to love?
Chris Venzon
