Curse

{integral} · Jun 09, 2006, 03:52 PM // 15:52

As you'll all doubtless be aware, the World Cup starts some time soon. The television is full of companies implementing football into their adverts and footballers being paid wads of money to advertise a deodorant, cereal, decongestant, trip to Spain, toaster or any other product you'd care to name. Even ex-politicians and their wives are singing excruciating songs about it in feeble attempts to get the public to like them.

But, truth be told, I really couldn't give a row of buttons whether it's the World Cup or not. To me it's just a few weeks when all the good programmes are cancelled to make way for 22 louts and a mediator. The streets will be filled with drunken skinheads with beer-bellies who would love nothing more than to punch you squarely on the nose, and conversations, for me, will be limited to
"Did you see the match last night?"
"No."

Does anyone else feel the same way?

thrice · Jun 09, 2006, 04:18 PM // 16:18

I don't watch soccer and I had no idea that it was even happening until someone mentioned it on IRC about an hour ago.

Omega_2005 · Jun 09, 2006, 04:21 PM // 16:21

I don't like the way England has to be so "We're going to win it and laugh over the faces of you all" because just face it. You'll LOSE, and it's only a game ffs... Because of all this, I'm not excited about it

@integral Let's not go there about the Hamilton's excuse for a "song" either :/

{integral} · Jun 09, 2006, 04:29 PM // 16:29

Blimey, I didn't realise - it's already started! Goals have even been scored. Back to watching Big Brother then.

captainccc · Jun 09, 2006, 05:05 PM // 17:05

Ya in america its really not a big deal, but i dont think you have any idea how important it is in countries like Brazil and countries in Africa. Its really there only time to show what there country is made of. America has the super bowl and the world series, ect. that other countries watch but this is an event that even they can watch and support their country.

Edit: Grammer error.

Unlucky Slayer · Jun 09, 2006, 05:26 PM // 17:26

I rather get another Root Canal than to watch a futbol match.

{integral} · Jun 09, 2006, 05:53 PM // 17:53

Quote:

Originally Posted by captainccc

Ya in america it's really not a big deal, but i don't think you have any idea how important it is in countries like Brazil and countries in Africa. It's really their only time to show what their country is made of. America has the super bowl and the world series, etc. that other countries watch but this is an event that even they can watch and support their country.

Edit: Grammer error.

My, there are so many other grammar errors you missed when you were editing

I've taken the liberty to correct them in bold

Fist_of_God · Jun 09, 2006, 06:05 PM // 18:05

Well, if they are serving free beer and pizza, I would watch almost anything.

Stalker Haras · Jun 09, 2006, 06:41 PM // 18:41

Soccer is ftw. I'm going Germany all the way!

The Real Roy Keane · Jun 09, 2006, 06:48 PM // 18:48

Quote:

Originally Posted by {integral}

But, truth be told, I really couldn't give a row of buttons whether it's the World Cup or not. To me it's just a few weeks when all the good programmes are cancelled to make way for 22 louts and a mediator.
Does anyone else feel the same way?

22 amazingly skilled players, very few of them louts, and a referee. Don't knock something you don't like/understand, there's a reason over one billion people are tuning in this summer. Ah well, match starts in twenty minutes, and I'll exit the rage you sport haters have me in..

{integral} · Jun 09, 2006, 07:11 PM // 19:11

Quote:

Originally Posted by The Real Roy Keane

22 amazingly skilled players, very few of them louts, and a referee. Don't knock something you don't like/understand, there's a reason over one billion people are tuning in this summer. Ah well, match starts in twenty minutes, and I'll exit the rage you sport haters have me in..

I agree that they are amazingly skilled. I'd love to have the ability that they do for the sport. Perhaps then I'd be interested in it. I don't hate the game, as such, but simply find it conducive to bad behaviour - you see footballers and their fans in brawls far more often than you do in other sports - even in rugby, a far more inherently violent game, are both players and fans more civil. This, coupled with the fact I couldn't score a goal to save my life, has guided me towards the decision to distance myself from it.

Fist_of_God · Jun 09, 2006, 07:29 PM // 19:29

I agree, I have seen a stadium completely destroyed over this game with 2 nets and a little ball. I enjoy a good fan rage scenario though. Very respectable game all in all though. In my country (Iran) going to the games as well, your get serious respect for being a soccer player on the national team, even more so than being in the armed forces it would appear.

master_of_puppets · Jun 09, 2006, 10:11 PM // 22:11

The World cup IS actually the world cup, unlike the world series, where its just the u.s. I can see why some people might consider soccer slow, but its definitely better, more fun to watch than baseball, which many americans like. You can be an out-of-shape fatass and still be pretty good at baseball.

As for the "riots", this is the world's most popular sport by far, so you'll obviously see more riots from this sport than other sports. All the riots are in poor countries anyway where people cant even afford security measures and stuff.

{integral} · Jun 10, 2006, 08:03 AM // 08:03

Quote:

Originally Posted by master_of_puppets

All the riots are in poor countries anyway where people cant even afford security measures and stuff.

Now, as countries go, I think England is pretty damn rich. Don't you? 'Course you do. At almost every major football match here we have hoardes of police with vans, riot shields, tasers, batons etc. just in case something goes wrong and you get 5,000 angry Millwall fans trying to kill the players/opposing fans. All of the riots are not in poor countries. It's not debatable. It's just not true.

Shadowfox1125 · Jun 10, 2006, 08:07 AM // 08:07

Not excited about about the World Cup mainly because I don't play nor religiously watch soccer.. but I'll be watching the French Open and the NBA Finals.

Go Nadal!

Nocere Moriari · Jun 10, 2006, 08:26 AM // 08:26

As long as Germany doesnt make it to the second stage, and Brazil doesnt win. other then that......World... what????

AhuraMazda · Jun 10, 2006, 04:05 PM // 16:05

World Cup. Competition to see who is the best 22 players out of over 150 nations of football (yes football, that ballgame played with the feet) players.

Nothing else has ever, or likely will ever come close to the size, scale, scope, and passion of the World Cup.

The greatest sporting event in human history, and will be known as such long after our little civilisation has gone the way of Rome.

The beautiful game, of individual skill and teamwork. Of guts and glory.

If you are not involved in the world cup in any way, even as a spectator, then you are missing out on the great event of our time.

Ah well, Sweden v Trinidad and Tobago just kicked off, later.

Ultimate_Gaara · Jun 10, 2006, 09:31 PM // 21:31

My teachers keep talking about their soccer pool they have going, thats the only reason I knew this event was even on. I think that pretty much says how excited I am for it.

TurinPT · Jun 11, 2006, 03:42 PM // 15:42

Quote:

Originally Posted by captainccc

America has the super bowl and the world series, ect. that other countries watch but this is an event that even they can watch and support their country.

sry buddy but I dont think anyone cares about those events outside America, maybe in Canada... but thats about it.

{integral} · Jun 11, 2006, 05:10 PM // 17:10

When's it over?