guess no one can use THAT insult any more, at least not to imply passivity or fragility. Watch this video – dirty, aggressive, hard to believe there was no red card!
Tag: soccer
November 6, 2009
June 21, 2009
USA Men’s Soccer WINS at Confederations Cup!
Glad to finally get to write that sentence 
In beating Egypt 3-0 tonight, not only did we win;
we passed Egypt in the standings based on goal difference (goal scored vs. scored against you) &
we tied Italy on goal difference (because Brazil beat them 3-0 tonight) &
we scored more goals than Italy, so we passed them in the standings.
The US men’s soccer team is advancing to the semi-finals. We play Spain (number one team in the world) on Wednesday. Brazil plays South Africa in the other semi-final Thursday night.
I will consider this a Father’s Day gift from the national team.
Thank you very much.
June 29, 2008
On Supporting Sport
Tonight is the final of Euro 2008. Having watched about 75% of the tournament with friends here, and conversing back and forth with friends world-wide, I have found this to be one of the most entertaining soccer tournaments I can remember. But let all the professional writers comment on the quality of play. I want to talk about supporting sides.
Tonight, it’s Germany v. Spain. Hopefully, this game will be as good as the tournament as a whole. And I am wondering whom to support. In considering (as much with my head as my heart), I have come up with a list of reasons anyone supports any particular team. Would love your additions and thoughts.
Why to support a team (in no particular order):
- You are from the same place as the team. So, in Pretoria, you support the Blue Bulls in rugby. This also applies to your national team. You can also claim this one if your ancestors came from there.
- You KNOW someone from the same place as the team. I have found this to be a pretty common one as well. Example – my uncle is the grounds keeper for Fulham, so they become my team. Or, we had an exchange student from Germany once. You get the idea.
- You’ve BEEN to the same place as a team. Bonus if you’ve actually seen them in action at home, but most can’t afford it. Case in point – I like Glasgow Celtic. I’ve been to Glasgow 3 times…
- A particular player you like plays for the team. This, btw, is why I began supporting Chelsea – because Frank Lampard went there. You can also use this one if someone from your country plays for the team (Lucas Radebe from SA plays for Leeds, suddenly their jerseys are selling on the street here).
- You like the coach. Not as common and this one seems to happen more in America. So, perhaps you like Larry Brown. If coaches a new team, you suddenly find yourself watching their games.
- You love the way a team plays. Best example I can think of is Dutch football. Total football is beautiful to watch, regardless of if you are from there or know any player’s name.
- You just do. Allowing for all those intangible/subjective reasons people love a team.
- Last, and sorta least (but worth a mention because it DOES happen) – you like the team’s colours or uniform. No comment.
So, would love some comments. Which factors are most important to you? Anything I am missing? NOTE: these various factors can also carry different weight!
If I were to personally take each team through the list above:
Germany: 5
(know people there, been there, like most of their team, defenders score as much as their strikers, they are deserving/due a tournament win)
Spain: 5
(ancestors from there, know people there, been there, gotta at least respect Torres, love the way these guys are playing
btw, teams have the same colours 
I think I’ll be happy if either team wins tonight.