I'm really trying to get into the World Cup. Soccer (Futbol, Football, whatever) is not really my thing. I've spent the last decade or so listening to the pundits talk about how sports fans in the US can't grasp the great intricacies of soccer or that we don't appreciate the strategic nature of the game itself or that our attention spans are too short for so lengthy a game. So, I thought I'd give it a crack. After all, surely the World Cup will pull out all the stops to appeal to me: the 18-to-49, male, US sports fan. We are one of the most sought after demographics on the planet. I have made my attempt with great optimism, but I have to tell you, it's been disappointing at best - not because of the game itself, but because of the unnecessary goofiness that surrounds it. For instance:
1. Reports that the ball is no good. Really? Isn't soccer being played professionally somewhere in the world at any given time? From a novice "outsider" perspective, it seems like the parameters for the one piece of equipment necessary to play the game should be pretty solid by now.
2. Worse officiating than figure skating. This article kind of sums it all up.
3. World class athletes taking a dive. Tons of camera angles and slow motion replays are showing the world just how ridiculous these guys are. Sometimes they don't even get touched and they go down flailing like they were gored by a bull. Often, the opposition gets the dreaded yellow or red card because of it. I don't get it. Even hardcore soccer fans despise this aspect of the game.
It seems like FIFA has fallen into the trap of "it's how we've always done it". Instant replay? Not for soccer. Standardized ball? Not for soccer. Penalties/suspensions for dives? Not for soccer. They limit their chance to gain unprecedented popularity by refusing to change.
It's a good lesson - how often do we limit our opportunities because we're complacent? If you start asking "why?" and the answer comes back "it's how we've always done it", you may be your own limiting factor to success.
I'm sure I'll make another attempt in four years when the next World Cup rolls around again. Maybe something will have changed...