Over the top - Its only a game?

Question

I have just seen the photos of fans "grief" after the England defeat. They are on www.sky.com & the final one shows a fan being comforted. Is it just me or do these people seem to have forgotten that it is, after all, only a game? They appear to think it is a matter of life & death.
Also is anyone else totally unsurprised that Beckham has resigned as England's captain?

Answer 1

I agree... it is only a game.

While we are at it, these footballers get paid FAR too much money!!!

Answer 2

No it's more than just a game - just a game is something like Monopoly, etc. The World Cup is a chance for nations to get behind their team, and dream of lifting the trophy. You only need to look on this forum to see how much emotion is involved from the manager, the team, and the fans. It's by far the biggest sporting occasion in the world.

Win or loose Beckham was always going to resign as England captain after this competition.

Answer 3

Put that question to the Boston Red Sox fans, prior to 2000.

I think that today the whole idea of community based around neighborhoods and workplaces has been abandoned, and in the search for common ground people look to their sports teams. In some cases that's all they have for a community.

I wasn't aware that Becks resigned, but the pressure surely could not have helped him. He's a talented, hard-working player, but he is not George Best, and England football isn't what it was in the 70's and I think the players know that but the fans refuse to accept it.

Answer 4

I was gutted when we lost, people pin their hopes on footy, just cos it doesnt matter as much to you , try and understand that some people love the game!
Im kind of surprised about Beckham, hes had captaincy for 6 years which is a long time, but I would have thought he'd retire from national football first, rather than play under someone else as his captain.
He's been getting a lot of stick, maybe he felt he'd had enough!

Answer 5

England fans should be used to it by now, the England Managers / Coaches should start looking in local parks for decent players who would play for a couple of quid not millions! If Sven had picked up a few guys from Sunday Leagues we might have been in with a chance!

Answer 6

I know what you mean, but to thousands of people it is much more than a game. It gives them hope, and something to aim for. I don't think there is any harm in that, unless of course it leads to violence or disrespect against other teams.

I didn't know about Beckham til I read your question. I guess I'm not surprised, but feel sad for him. He's been a good captain, I think.

Answer 7

I agree. i really don't understand why people get emotional about it. i watched the match and by the time the last Portuguese player took the penalty, i knew we were heading home. he scored and we were out of the championship. oh well. I'm supporting Germany now.

i understand why the players might cry but the fans?

although i was surprised when i came online and found out beckam had stepped down as captain.

Answer 8

That's the fascination of football. When you support a team you build up your hopes and dreams and they can come crashing down in an instant. All fans experience this at every level.

Answer 9

There is nothing wrong with abit of pride and belief in your country and its team. So let people cry if they want to, as you say its only a game, but who really wants to lose any game they play in if they have any self pride and belief.

Answer 10

Crying cause over a lost game - sad. We don't make the tournment you don't see us crying.