The 2010 World Cup begins today in South Africa. It’s the biggest sporting event in the world. In the United States, we like to call our sports finals “world championships,” but most of the world couldn’t care less who wins them. Contrast that with the World Cup of soccer, with the 2006 tournament drawing a total of over 26 billion viewers. (I’m guessing that’s adding all the games together, unless we had a lot of extraterrestrials watching the game)
My real introduction to World Cup soccer came in 1986. I had been in Argentina for less than a year when the tournament rolled around. Argentina ended up winning it all, which was really something to experience. It’s amazing to see how the streets empty and the city grows quiet during games, until the roar of “Goal!” sweeps across the town.
In 1990, Argentina came in second, losing in the final minutes of the game. I thought people would be pretty disappointed, but they celebrated even more in 1990 than they did in 1986. In a tournament like that, second place is still an incredible achievement.
I’d like to predict an Argentine victory this year, but I hesitate to do so. They probably have the most talent, but their coach, Diego Maradona, leaves a lot to be desired. He was an incredible player, but has not impressed as a coach.
Whatever happens, the tournament should be great fun. Every game is being televised by the ESPN/ABC networks, so you should be able to catch some of the games. I can’t wait!
I started watching a soccer game on TV once, but had to switch channels, because there was an Andy Griffith show I just couldn’t miss :)
I had rather watch golf, at least they are quite enough to take a nap.
Love the World Cup; and Euro Cup for that matter. I will hopefully (Lord willing) make it to Warsaw in 2012 for the next Euro Cup (have family there, makes it a little easier). And I must admit I will have ESPN Gamecast window up at 10am for game one today! (shhhhhh … don’t tell on me!)
I remember the ’86 Cup as well. What an amazing run. I also share you feeling about this year’s team. As much as I enjoyed watching Maradona play in ’86 and ache at the thought of what he has done with his life since, as far as coaching, I don’t think he is what the team needs to win (but I hope they can over come that). By the way- we don’t have cable TV- do you know any good internet sites to watch it at? FIFA has play by play but no live-streaming.
Daryl, yeah, that was quite a run. I’m sorry I chickened out on watching the final at the Pruitts’ house, but it was pretty amazing to be downtown after they won. (I shredded every newspaper I could find and tossed it off the balcony, then went down to the Flag Monument)
Grace and peace,
Tim Archer
Oh, and it’s on Espn360, if your Internet has that, and it’s on UnivisionFutbol.com.
Grace and peace,
Tim
Jr, we were in Spain during the last Euro Cup. Things were pretty nuts as they made their run.
Grace and peace,
Tim Archer
we don’t have cable with with our digital TV, we pick up HD Univsion which is playing all the games.
plus I have espn on in the backgroup often
Go Italy!
I am glad it’s not like 2002 when the games started at 3 and 4 am our time.
I would try to get up if Italy or USA play a 7 am game
At least Thundersticks have some fan-strategy behind them (you use them while the opposing team is pitching). I can’t listen to WC games because the stupid vuvuzelas drive me up the wall.
Of course, the vuvuzelas are a South African thing, not a soccer thing. If they were playing baseball there, people would be blowing those silly horns.