Why are people so obsessed with the World Cup?

Question

I am just curious as to what the fascination is. I have never followed soccer as it is not a big sport in America. It seems like people are really into it this year. Either that or I am noticing for the first time that people are really into it. In America, soccer has never been a sport that received this much focus. I keep seeing questions posted here on Yahoo! Answers saying things like "You would you like to win the World Cup?" and "Who do you think will win the World Cup?" There is even a whole category on the subject on Y!A. Can someone explain the fascination to me?

Answer 1

It is also the most popular sport in the world and it truly envolves the entire world (give or take a small handful of countries that do not participate)

It makes me laugh when I read the posts saying soccer players are pansies. They obviously have no clue. This game envolves atheletics and skills of the highest level.

By comparison, American Football players play a one hour game stretched over three or more hours and then only play half the game as there are two teams, one for offense and one for defense. And there are only 3 situations where the ball is put in play by ones foot; kick-off, a punt and a field goal attempt. (and anyone who says American Football players are tough because of the hits envolved, watch a rugby match...those guys don't wear pads and the game is MUCH more brutal than football)

Soccer is a game played for an hour and half and it takes an hour and forty five minutes (give or take a few minutes for stoppage time). During this time all players (with the exception of the Keeper) are running the length of the pitch practically non-stop. Add to this the skill envolved in dribbling, passing and scoring while using anything but your hands and I'd think most would agree that this is an amazing game.

I think the game is quite impressive and every four years this culminates in one of the greatest sporting tournaments ever, The World Cup.

Answer 2

Because it is the World Cup. It is the biggest global attend somebody can witness. The finals and the semi-final games garner at least 1 or 2 billion audiences from around the world. This is the time when people take leaves from their jobs, students ditch schools, and politicians take a break from usual tug-of-war just to witness an event that has the capacity to peacefully unite the Planet Earth.

Answer 3

Football and I mean real football and not that ridiculous derivative of rugby that Americans play is the most popular sport in the world. I mean you use your foot and a ball in football. In American football, you barely use your feet, I really don't get calling it "football".

It's truly a global phenomenon and it is the most popular sporting event after the Olympics. More countries participate in the World Cup than in any other sport in the world.

Football is a game of skill and endurance. It's fun to watch and it's most definitely not boring. And when your team is playing it's so exciting.

Answer 4

Um if your a soccer fan its the biggest event in soccer. Its only played every fourth year. The worlds most popular sport is soccer by a lot. There are a few reasons.

Answer 5

Because it's a marvelous sport, low-scoring and therefore unpredictable, and the ONLY truly world-wide sport -- unlike those strange things that are so popular in North America and nowhere else.

BTW, I'm really amused by the igoramuses (hey, "gr8dmb", are the last 3 letters of your pseudonym an acronym for "dumb"?) who make moronic remarks such as calling real football "a gay sport". (Incidentally, "dmb", it's spelled "pansies" - semi-illiterate, are you?)

I read an article by a psychologist that stated an obsession in calling others "gay" denotes a sub-conscious proclivity toward homosexuality. It seems to be a defense mechanism. So, "dmb", when are you going to come out of the closet? ...

Answer 6

Its the best players, playing for the pride of their country, and it only happens every 4 years. If they tried holding every year, or every 2 years, it would'nt be the same. Players know that in 4 years, alot can happen and they may never get the chance to play for the trophy again, so they know they have to give it their all to win while they have the chance.

And by the way, not all Americans do not understand or dislike the game. I am a born and raised American, I LOVE the game and watch every game I can, and play at every opportunity given to me.

Answer 7

it's a universal sport, and the world cup only happens every 4 years!!!!! like the olympics. i'm a female and i can't get enough of the world cup! my father has really had an impact on me which is why i think i love soccer.

Answer 8

Because it really is a WORLD sporting event, unlike the so-called 'World' Series. Nations from all over the world compete every four years. It's like the Olympics, only focused on one sport so the fanbase is vast.

Answer 9

This is the one sport that unifies the planet... except, of course, America. Our team needs police escorts around Germany! haha. I think it's sad that soccer is not more popular in the states. And it's mainly because of you haters that already answered with negative garbage. Americans get this preconcieved notion that all things that aren't the most popular thing in our culture (whatever it is... we still don't know!) is "ghey" or "stupid" or "for pansies". I'm flippin moving to Canada... haha... not really.
But I think everyone should get in on the action!

Answer 10

It is the biggest sports event in the world! Football is such a wonderful sport wether you think it is boring or not. Just because it is not big here in America does't mean anything! It is a great game that takes talent. FOOTBALL ROXX!!! So just deal with it!