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Now, it's a well-known fact that despite this latest uptick, Americans generally aren't big on soccer. There is debate on the myriad reasons why (low scoring, confusing rules, tie games, the fact that Europeans like it so much, etc). There has also been much debate over the cultural divides over soccer, with some unserious types taking it to the point of hysteria. Here's the thing: To the extent that soccer had any chance of making inroads into the hearts of American sports fans, this blatant screwjob may have killed that for the time being.
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I have not been that mad at
I have not been that mad at incompetent referee work since the last time Ron Cherry refed a Florida State game.
I don't know....
...we have had baseball umpires taking away perfect games, college football refs forgetting that you only get four downs, and (after seeing 2 minutes of the NBA final last night) refs seemingly forgetting that their sport has ANY rules. Soccer should fit right in on these shores.
I think you're being harsh on the NBA refs, Rich, that was a
great game last night. Yeah, I see your point, though.
I really don't think it's as
I really don't think it's as bad as all that. Yes, I think it was a terrible call. No, I don't think it's going to end up meaning much.
When we beat Algeria (and we will beat Algeria), we'll have 5 points and almost certainly advance to the second round. In fact, as it currently stands, we have the best chances of all Group C teams to advance, since England must beat Slovenia to advance and Slovenia must at least tie England for their shot-- one of the two of them is probably getting bounced.
This will go down as a lousy call, but it's not going to stop us from advancing on our long-awaited march to destiny.
--Bobby
Yeah, I hope ypu're right, Bobby--and the victory would be
great--I say that as one who is not a bg soccer fan, but is open to becoming one.
Victory!
And we move to the next round. Huzzah!
if there's one thing American sports fans so understand...
...it's officials making terrible calls. Part of every sport.
I don't think there's really a debate about which of the other things on your list limit soccer's popularity. They all contribute. IMO it's the low scoring which most inhibits popularity here. It can primarily be attributed to the only confusing aspect of the game: offsides.
Both hockey and soccer have a version of this rule which, let's face it, acts as a buzzkill on the most exciting aspect of the game: breakaway goal scoring attempts. Folks in parts of the world where socer is the only gamer around have no chice but to develop an appreciation for the cat and mouse chess game in a nil-nil tie. I mean, a nil-nil tie? Really? When there are 600 other channels?
The other reason it won't become more popular here is that the rest of the world controls the best players and highest levels of competition.