Posted by PeteDude at adsl-68-122-213-145.dsl.irvnca.pacbell.net on January 17, 2004 at 12:06:04:
In Reply to: Okay... posted by Smalls on January 17, 2004 at 10:59:07:
: : 2. Pele called football "the beautiful game"
: Was Pele high? It's fun to play, no doubt, but to watch it?
There are a lot of things about this sport most of us Yanks are simply ignorant of.
When played well, it's one of the most acrobatic, challenging, skillful games around. You'll see things in it you don't see in any other sport-- some of the photo bits are just simply incredible.
Not to mention, when it comes to history and pageantry, it's hard to beat. Sometimes even the Olympics look staid next to the World Cup.
Why do the Europeans dig it so much, even where there's tons of back and forth? It's the drama, baby. They like the suspense and the payoff. This is why the American leagues finally abandoned the U.S.-style "shootouts" to break ties with-- people just like the drama of seeing if one guy can take a shot a few yards out and beat a goalie.
We can't talk much, we Americanos. . . baseball has got to be one of the most boring games to watch on the planet for many folks. Little man stand at end of big field with big stick. Wait for ball. Maybe man hit, maybe not. If hit, maybe run a few feet to bag. But, it's the drama, baby. :)
American football can be a real drag when it's mostly a running game between two heavy defensive teams. You'll see almost as much back and forth there as you'll see in a soccer match!
: It's like playing Pong except you've not even playing Pong.
: You're watching two other fellas play Pong.