Skip to main content

You want answers?? You want answers?! You can't handle the truth!!

By
Rather belatedly....here we go: 

1.How, how are USA ranked 13th in the World? I'll answer that one with a simple prophetic statement: England are ranked #10. Above France, Holland and Chile. Nothing further.

2.Any hopes for getting out of Group G (especially having seen Portugal self destruct)? Well, I think there's some hope. 3pts bagged. The stars seem to be aligning that CR7 is either going to beat them on his own or sulk at having to play on a shitty team that aren't as good as him. I have to favour the latter right now. They then play Germany last game when you would think they  would already be through. So I think the answer is - more hope than a week ago (aka the inverse England effect) 


3.Do Americans love Beckham, is his conquering of the States reported widely and positively like it is in the UK? Tricky one this. Definitely was embraced for his "soccer icon" status, but at the same time, soccer doesn't float everyone's boat over here.... Definitely was embraced as a hot celeb (married to a Spice Girl and friends with Tom Cruise), but at the same time... hot celebs married to pop stars are ten a penny over here. I think "conquered" is quite strong, I would say  he has reached the height of "recognisable" (which for a footie player is still going some over here)


 4.Do Americans care more about 'soccer', now that they are establishing themselves as regulars in the World Cup. They do. It's definitely growing. For the first season since i've been over here, every single Premier League game was broadcast over here last  season. And that seems to have helped improve the interest. You still have the MLS issue- I don't really watch it (too busy watching every PL game!), and as an example, the NY Red Bulls stadium has a 25,000 capacity I think. For a city the size of NY, and the fact it's still easy enough to get a ticket - I think shows you where they're at. That said, they love their national pride and getting behind Jurgen's boys. But it's also true- they're used to winning. So there's definitely some level of temporary interest until they start losing. But is it higher profile than say, 10 years ago?  Definitely.

1.If the average US fan fought the average England fan, who would win Easy one. Channeling the 1980's wealth of 'hoolie' experience would lead to a great first few swings from team England. Ultimately, would count for nothing as this is country that uses the word "brawl" in the context when firearms are used. 1-0 to USA - superior firepower. 


2.Same question, but in relation to a drinking competition  Another easy one. I am considered a good, or even "serious" drinker over here. I am not. 4-0 England.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Arriving late at the far post...........

By
Well, out from behind a rock I come. Like Batman responding to the spotlight over Gotham, the sight of Alexi Lalas relaxing on ESPN's swanky new World Cup set spouting 'knowledge' of the beautiful game immediately triggered me into action. A personal excitement for me is the returning punditry on this side of the pond of one Roberto Martinez. 4 years ago, I listened to this polite young man with light enthusiasm....now I find myself hanging onto every word from Bobby Brown Shoes. A supremely classy guy, just hoping for the "and Neymar is close to signing, which is phenonemal (Bobby's most used word - quite impressive for a Spanish native) " Sooo, what have I missed so far (Brazil own goal aside).... - Roy Hodgson in old man sunglasses - An amazing lack of planning from team England organizing a friendly in Florida at 5pm in June and being surprised as a thunderstorm - Scapegoating of a key England player (Rooney) before a ball is kicked in anger - Overplay...
2 comments
Read more

Reflections

By
So another World Cup is coming to a close, and while recriminations, inquests and debriefs will continue - the distraction will stop and life goes on. Sometimes, almost guaranteed, that means dealing with heartbreak along the way. I for one hope Mr and Mrs Birchy have had their share and, the future has in store many more good times to balance out the tough. Wishing you both strength at this tough time. There's no great segue to get us back to the footie, but I talked about distraction and here is my distracting run down on all things Brazil, team by team, with omissions of those that didn't leave an impression :  Africa: Algeria weren't bad at all. Great game v Sth Korea and gave the Germans a run for their money. The rest made the squabbles for win bonuses the height of irony... Asia: Sth  Korea: pelted with toffees upon arrival home. Need I say more. I've forgotten what Japan did United States of Australia: plucky effort team, sum of parts blah blah..., could run all...
Post a Comment
Read more

The. Best. Ever

By
  As promised in my last post, I left the fawning over Messi to after the final. And just as he had done in EVERY knockout round of the tournament, Messi stood up to be counted, and delivered BIG TIME. Which was very considerate of him to make it very easy to write my final post of 2022 by waxing lyrically about the wonder that is Lionel Messi. Sport in general, and certainly football, is littered with examples of finals being played that struggle to meet the grand expectations bestowed upon it, where two teams nullify each other to the point of it becoming - a still intriguing contest - but more of a chess match. Cagey, tight. No pizzazz.  This was quite simply the best World Cup final of my lifetime. Involving the best player on the planet, playing to the best of his abilities. Dragging his team through to a glorious end. That it also involved his heir apparent who was likely the most miserable recipient of a souvenir match ball at a World Cup is just mind blowing.  It ...
Post a Comment
Read more