The nihilism of soccer: The more you look, the less there is to see

It is very difficult to explain the rules of cricket.  I tried to teach a Canadian friend once, and in doing so realised that what I was saying made absolutely no sense, even to me, and even though my explaination was completely accurate.

It's the 'bowler' and the 'batsman', by the way.

And there certainy isn't constant action when a match lasts 5 days, but they are the best to watch!

Vicky

I'm English and found this funny!

Maybe we feel we can laugh at our own culture and heritage, but get antsi when people pick on our adopted culture, or the heritage of our husbands/loved ones?


Vicky

Off topic and personal remarks have been removed.  Let's keep to the topic and keep the personal stuff for PMs.

The best way I heard cricket explained is that the batter is in a definsive position as opposed to baseball where the batter is an offensive position.  Once I figured that out, the whole game made complete sense to me.  Still find it incredibly high-bow and boring to watch..  I figure if you can wear fancy white clothes and never mess up your trousers pleat and wear shades and pretty hats, then it can't be too trying to play!

Well, as a huge baseball fan I have  to agree with Storm, there's far more to the game than meets the eye. And Kuyperama is right, too, baseball games are much more fun in person. My British DH loved that it was such a family event. He feels British football isn't (he had Newcastle United tickets in his 20s) and he would rather take our son to a baseball game than a football game.

As for football, it's no secret I fell into the 'god this is boring, why can't someone score'? camp!! BUT!!! I have to say that I have been paying more attention this World Cup and have quite enjoyed it. For some reason I can really see the differences in the teams now. So, I may, eventually, be a convert! 

The best way I heard cricket explained is that the batter is in a definsive position as opposed to baseball where the batter is an offensive position. 

That depends on if it is a test match or a one day, and how far into the match it is and what the score is.  If only it were that simple.

BTW...batsman, not batter.   


Vicky

as usual, one moron writes an article and everyone lumps "America" into one group.  There are almost 300 million people in America so lets try not to lump us all into one category. 

baseball is beautiful game.  It's a game of strategy and you have to understand it to enjoy it.  But just like soccer, not everyone is going to understand it and like it.

To be honest I think the moron who wrote the article as you described was the guy lumping all of America into the one category.  The idea he places that Americans will never be satisfied without their being a clearly defined winner, and can not enjoy a sport where passion and heart and intelligence are as big a draw as instant gratification and scores is clearly insulting to most Americans I would think.

As for Baseball aaaahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh the joy of the ideas of baseball, I'm afraid I am completly hooked to the beauty the history the ideals of the game.  And yet have never watched a full game ) (always wanted to see a live game not on tv).  And how did this Englishman begin to love the dream of baseball ) all I can say is, "Field of Dreams" got me hooked still my favourite movie of all time then I got "eight men out" the story of "the black sox".  I admit it is the hollywood concept of baseball that i love but I can't stop watching any baseball film that hits the streets or biopic that hits the tv and I have never watched one I didn't enjoy (even the maddonna one )

For me sport is at its best when their is passion when you know the players really care about the result when you have a knot in your stomache as it gets nearer to time with your team slightly in front or behind.  If you don't understand the rules try to pick them up as you are watching or if not switch your attention to the crowd and enjoy it that way (This may not work with cricket unless you like organised picnic watching as a sport )  To really understand cricket too turn of the tv sound and listen to the radio commentary not as good as in the days of Brian Johnson and Henry Blofeld but still has some lovely momments and cake.

To be honest I think the moron who wrote the article as you described was the guy lumping all of America into the one category.  The idea he places that Americans will never be satisfied without their being a clearly defined winner, and can not enjoy a sport where passion and heart and intelligence are as big a draw as instant gratification and scores is clearly insulting to most Americans I would think.

Exactly, that's what made me angry with the writer.   And his assertion that low scoring games are boring ... well, he obviously didn't watch the Real Madrid v Arsenal in the CL this season.  Not a goal scored, but certainly a very exciting game -- a joy to watch.

The writer obviously doesn't understand the game or have any respect for a sport which doesn't conform to his ideals.  I don't like American football, but I certainly wouldn't write an article that implied that all American football supporters are red neck conservatives that can only appreciate something with a high score.

I agree that going to a baseball game is a good way to pass the time.  I went to several games in San Diego to watch the padres - didn't get to the new stadium though..  But I would NEVER watch a game on tv, and I wouldn't encourage kids to play baseball/softball/t-ball because there is too much standing around.  Adults playing with plenty of beer on hand; however, i would sanction (as long as they behaved themselves and remained good sports)

And I agree that football games are not family-friendly.  I do take my son to games (try and keep him away!) but he has been desensitised to the swearing and foul filthy language that goes on (mostly by me - i've been known to throw out a curse or two LOL)  Even my sister was overwhelmed at the language when we took her to Aston Villa for a game.  

Rugby, on the other hand ironically, is a lovely family sport.  There are always lots of kids and families watching the games and no swearing or hooligan behaviour.  I would not hesitate to take kids of any and all ages to a rugby game, in spite of the sanctioned babarianism on the field!!

Football is a game for thugs played by gentlemen and rugby is a game for gentlemen played by thugs!  (I don't know the source of the quote but I like it!)  I don't know where cricket factors in - game for the wealthy played by the wealthy...?

Football can be a family sport. If you go to matches in the lower divisions, such as the might Barnet in league 2, you find that the majority of people in the crowd are kids.  If you look lower down, at the conference, you'll find a strange combination of kids and old men!

I will certainly take my children to football matches, and would not fear that they would come out of it like a bunch of little Rooneys!


Vicky

as usual, one moron writes an article and everyone lumps "America" into one group.  There are almost 300 million people in America so lets try not to lump us all into one category. 

Thanks for that!

Zaphod, I do hope you get the chance to see a live baseball game someone.  The Cardinals of course are the best (not that I'm biased at all  ).  For awhile I was really depressed over leaving the live games behind, but now that I've been bitten by the football bug, it's not so bad.  I cannot wait to see my first football game in person.  I've been glued to my tv for this World Cup.  Both my teams that I was rooting for were eliminated, but I've tried to find out the clubs of each of my favorite players.  Before this the only person I knew of was Beckham and that he played for Real Madrid (and even then I didn't realize it was pronounced Re-al lol). I'm a little confused as to what happens after WC but I'm learing...I'm learning.  I can certainly see why is such a popular sport.  Lots of heart and action on the pitch.  I think that if more Americans were exposed to football at the professional level (normally the games are on at 2 am it seems but this year's WC has gotten great coverage) they would fall in love with it.  We just aren't exposed to it that's all. 

Oh and if any of you veteran fans would like educate me about the post WC season in PM, I would appreciate it. 

the coverage here in the UK has been fantastic.  they have had everygame on the tele everyday.  Noway you get that kind of coverage in the states.  If you did, you would have mass rioting in the streets.  I will miss it in 4 years when i'm back home and only get to watch the US games that will be on at 3am.

the coverage here in the UK has been fantastic.  they have had everygame on the tele everyday.  Noway you get that kind of coverage in the states.  If you did, you would have mass rioting in the streets.  I will miss it in 4 years when i'm back home and only get to watch the US games that will be on at 3am.

Actually the coverage of the WC has been fantastic in the US this year. I've been really happy with it.

the coverage here in the UK has been fantastic.  they have had everygame on the tele everyday.  Noway you get that kind of coverage in the states.  If you did, you would have mass rioting in the streets.  I will miss it in 4 years when i'm back home and only get to watch the US games that will be on at 3am.

Rioting in the streets hmmmmmm now who's lumping all Americans into one group

I thought the article was funny as well....

I also try not to let miscellaneous articles on the internet or in newspapers make me angry....life's too short.