Do Americans find it odd that nations come to a standstill when their team is playing in the World Cup?
Do they understand why soccer is compared to religion in many parts of S America and Europe?
2007-05-02 05:24:27 · 10 answers · asked by Youareatroll 1 in Sports ➔ Football ➔ Other - Football
Some do and some some don't, but what's your point exactly ? I mean why is it important what other people think ?
If many Americans don't follow soccer, so what. Actually it makes it easier for me to get ticket to international matches cause the demand is low.
2007-05-02 05:42:38 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Compared to 10 or 20 years ago, more Americans are gaining an understanding of soccer as a passion for many other countries.
The availability of football on Fox Sports and Espn has certainly helped. The arrival of David Beckham in July will continue to help soccer gain more attention.
Two of the most successful clubs in English football, Manchester United and Liverpool, are now owned by Americans. Aston Villa's owner is also American.
2007-05-02 12:40:10 · answer #2 · answered by roundandround 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
First Full Disclosure: I am a Yank and also an avid follower of both American Football and Soccer.
I have two comments: I agree with you that most Americans can't understand the passion that Europeans and South Americans have for their soccer teams. A large reason for this is the fact that American is a very transient nation: people are born in one place and move to another to go to school and then work. Thus their sports loyalties are often thousands of miles away and they can't get excited about the local sports teams. Take me for example. I grew up in New Jersey, went to Boston University and then moved to Los Angeles where I have lived and worked for nearly 18 years. My favorite baseball team for example is the New York Yankees. I enjoy going to LA Dodgers games but don't get that excited about it. In contrast many European fans are rooting for teams they grew up with and that their parents grew up with. The lack of passion may not be a completely bad thing. You don't see alot of the hooliganism or riots that seem to mar European and South American Football.
Next, I think many people abroad gauge American's attitudes towards soccer through the American media, which is unfortunately( and unfairly) hostile to soccer. I think that there are alot more soccer fans than the American media lets on and true American soccer fans understand and if not envy the passion of the European fans. I just recently obtain Fox Soccer Channel and now can watch English Premier League. Just watching those games makes me wish that I could find that kind of community and passion for sports here in this country.
2007-05-02 13:09:35 · answer #3 · answered by mark b 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Soccer is a game that is played worldwide. The beauty of soccer is that unlike many other sports no special equipment is needed, only a ball and a flat playing surface. This is one of the reasons that soccer is so popular, anyone, rich or poor, big and small, male or female, can play the game. With regards to the World Cup, many nations not considered as participants or contenders in the Olympic games, have a chance to shine and put their country on the map. Soccer has leveled the playing field in sports.
2007-05-02 12:40:44 · answer #4 · answered by John W 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think the best way to put it is compare it to college football. You see the supporters for Football around the world are so passionate about their club and national team. They waive flags, wear the colors, scream and chant, there really is no substitute for American Professional Sports. Fans just aren't passionate enough. I'm American, but I support the Three Lions. Why? because after living in England for a year, I too got swept up in The Beautiful Game. Give Football a try, watch some big matches and I'm sure you ll love it
2007-05-02 12:48:36 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
We understand THAT it happens but we don't understand WHY.
I'm a huge football (soccer) fan and I love the Premiership. I also love American football, Hockey, and college basketball.
Americans don't understand soccer at all, which is the problem. They see stats like 4 shots on goal and think its a boring waste of time. I for one live in NY and I was recently in London for spring break and had the chance to watch a English Premier game live at the stadium and I can tell you that the crowd there can make any non-soccer fan a believer. Europeans scoff at Americans for only cheering "when the jumbotron tells them to" which I agree with.
2007-05-02 12:37:27 · answer #6 · answered by Chris 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
We are aware that the World Cup is going on , of course, but the majority of Americans just aren't intertested in the sport. Other than Beckham, most Americans couldn't name one soccer player. I live in Houston, Texas. We have new , gorgeous stadiums for baseball, football, and basketball. There is no good playing field for the Dynamo, our soccer team, but they may get one in a year or two.
2007-05-02 12:32:40 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
Soccer is hockey... without the cool gloves, sticks, helmets, equipment, goalie masks, ice, boards, checking, fighting, penalty boxes, jerseys, etc.
And the U.S. hardly likes hockey.
2007-05-02 12:34:00 · answer #8 · answered by sakicfriend 3 · 3⤊ 1⤋
unfortinately for them they do not understand football
and they have no idea how emotional football can get.
all they understand is basketball, baseball, and american football.
2007-05-02 12:31:23 · answer #9 · answered by giuseppe 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
they praise baseball
2007-05-02 13:03:47 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋