I just finished watching Portugal defeat England on penalty kicks. We really have nothing like penalty kicks (I guess except for a shootout in hockey) like them in American sports, at least that I can think of.
There is an incredible amount of pressure on players in the World Cup. Although we Americans might not realize it, soccer is THE most popular sport in the entire world. These players carry the hopes and dreams of the fans in their respective countries on their shoulders.
I feel bad that a game has to end in penalty kicks. The players have played their hearts out for 2 hours. That’s right – 2 hours! And they have to settle for 5 kicks to determine the fate of the match. What a way to lose, but on the other hand I imagine it would be a pretty exhilirating way to win a match.
I always laugh when people say soccer isn’t a real sport, or is a sissy sport. Please. Soccer matches are 90 minutes. You won’t find a regulation game that long, save for baseball, in all of the major American sports (NBA, MLB, NHL, NFL, etc.) Plus there is constant movement. No starting and stopping all the time, like football. And here’s the kicker. You only get 3 subs, that’s right 3, for the entire game. When they’re used up, then you’re out. It’s pretty insane when you think about in the context of American sports. Shaq gets tired – rest him a couple minutes. Your running back just makes a long run – rest him for a few plays. Line changes in hockey. There is no such thing in soccer.
I wish there was an easier way to watch the matches of this year’s World Cup, but at least I’m catching the match between France and Brazil at the moment, and the championship match will be next Sunday, so that’s a definite plus. Until then….GGGGGOOOOOAAAALLLLL!