Yes, folks, it's yet another sporting event for some of us to go GAGA about. and spend hours in front of the tellie. At least we'll be spinning on the bikes when we watch.
FIFA World Cup. that's soccer to you Americans and hockey / Stanley Cup lovin Canadians.
I, of course, hate soccer when played at any level other than the World Cup or Olympics. My intro to World Cup was 8 years ago (wow) when I was spending a month on the couch after my achilles tendon surgery. I saw every game. Vive le France and Zinadine Zidane !! les bleus I would have seen every goal, too, except as we all know, those soccer b------s only score when you've finally hobbled on crutches to the bathroom . But my God, those games are exciting. Just because there is no scoring.
Anyway, our soccer LOVING friends in California are way excited. Traci has given me the name of a book, The Thinking Fan's Guide to the World Cup. No, it's not similar to The Idiot's Guide to the W. C.. I've just started, but each country is written about, and I don't think the guys on the team are even mentioned. Well, I've only read about Angola. But it seems depending on the author of each chapter, there will be something historical, sociological, or political, or even hysterical. The appendix, of course, has W.C. stats. But also demographic info on each. I've just noticed that the United States is in the lead in Executions per year. and 18th in Literacy. The Aussies lead the way in that category. Go figger. :) just kidding. I'd comment on where Canada is in one of these categories, but, oh yeah, the book is just about the 32 countries that made it into the tournament. GO OILERS !!!
Those crazed Californians (traci, denise, and annalise) will actually be in Europe for a good portion of the tournament. Ah, yes, to be in Paris, and spend 6 hours a day in front of a tv. A tv chattering away in a foreign language. Have I mentioned Denise Bender who was on the Original U.S.A. womens world cup team ?? Check out my earlier posts for fan fotos.
First game tomorrow morning. USA vs. Czech Republic on Monday morning. check your local listings.
omigod, i just found the world cup web site. There's a page on each of the 736 players. I'm sure you'll hear about some of them. I've already seen a photo album of players' wives or girlfriends. An unbelievable number of these guys are dating models. who'd a thunk it? It's as if they were NBA or PGA or baseball stars !
gotta go !
1 comment:
Sheesh, even Grady and I were watching these games on the weekend. Grady got to see some of the early ones. But, I don't get up early for soccer games or much of anything else on the weekend if I can avoid it. But, it is a big deal among many of my students who come from Mexico so I need to be on some familiarity.
But, I need some explanation of how the tournament works. What do the points mean? Evidently, it is not single elimination, but what does happen when a team loses (like the U.S. today)?!
I hate to always ask you the sports questions, Ann. But, just like I am the go-to person in the family for school and education questions, you are the go-to person for sports explanations.
So, let's have it.
J.
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