SOCCER’S APPEAL is wearing down Jim’s resistance to the world’s most popular sport (Shutterstock).
After years of grumbling about soccer, suggesting it was sort of … well … boring, I have finally decided that “world football” has its merits and am starting to enjoy the World Cup.
As someone who admittedly is not much of an expert, here’s a few of the the things I have enjoyed so far.
* The challenge to announcers trying to A) have something to say when there’s not much going on and B) trying to keep up with action where then there’s too much going on.
* Smiling at the way the foreign broadcasters mispronounce “Los Angeles” and “Seattle.” On the other hand, imagine what trouble the U.S. announcers have with “Leicester” or “Argenteuil.”
*Reflect on the sinking feeling felt by the Haitian team as its members contemplate a Group C match against Brazil. I guess it’s a honor just to be nominated …
* Anyone who thinks that the World Cup isn’t he biggest deal in sports should consider this: It’s estimated that betting volumes for the Cup will reach $50 to 60 trillion. That’s bigger than Elon Musk!
* What will be considered a “good” performance for Team USA? Well, in 2022 the team reached the quarterfinals. But the real topper would be the performance in 1930 with a third place finish.
But back then, of course, players played in bare feet because of the Depression ….
