Soccer in America

[bjfinste]

Does anyone else think that soccer in the US is being set back by this World Cup? I'm talking about in converting the non-soccer fans. I'm hardly a big fan of the game but I have watched a ton of this World Cup, as I did in 2002, and have enjoyed it very much.

But how many people out there in America who AREN'T fans at all are only watching the US games? So far they've seen ridiculous flopping by Italy, horrible officiating in the Italy game, and now an absolute joke of a PK call against the US that very well may be responsible for keeping the US from advancing. These things will be the lasting images a lot of people will remember, and that makes it hard to create new fans. Which is a shame, because there has been some fantastic soccer played in this World Cup.

 

[SixFive]

The officiating reminds me of those boxing matches where the clear loser gets the decision after the final bell. Onyewu is just strong, those are not fouls.

 

[Skins1080]

You ask a good question, but I dont think that I would go as far to say that this world cup is failing to convert non-soccer fans. I agree that the refing has been horrible, FIFA's new yellow card rule is a joke, and a poor US showing is making it harder to become a fan but, like you said, there is a lot of good soccer out there. I'm sure people have seen a few of the better games and have gained interest.

 

[lawtchan]

i am watching the last 10 minutes of usa vs ghana. i've seen about 6 ghana players on the ground screaming in agony when they get 'touched'.

NUT up and play!!

i do enjoy watching brazil play, the passes they make in full stride is amazing

 

[Franky Wright]

Landon Donavan is a pussy. There, I said it :com:

And I still dont feel better :scared

 

[kar soo]

Ghana 2
ASS 0

 

[Blazer]

That hurt.

I don't care about "converting people to soccer". I think the MLS will be better this year, the influx of company names (ex: Red Bull) will help fuel the sport in this commerical driven society.

I like soccer. I think there are enough soccer fans to support the teams (MLS and National) we will never have the troughs of fans that other countries have, but that's ok.

I think the American interest is more in the "moderate sports fan" group than the "rabid sports fan" group.