Futball/Soccer/Football

Because the WORLD CUP starts today I figured a soccer post would make sense.
Plus I found this great article on Slate about America, Soccer and the World Cup.
Its definitely worth a read, here are some excerpts:


"When children in the United States are very young, they believe that soccer is the most popular sport in the world. They believe this because every single child in America plays soccer."
"Because they all play, most of America's children assume that soccer will always be a part of their lives... harbored no life expectations other than that I would continue playing center midfielder until such time as I died. It never occurred to me that any of this would change.But at about age 10, something happens to the children of the United States. Soccer is dropped, quickly and unceremoniously, by approximately 88 percent of all young people. The same kids who played at 5, 6, 7, move on to baseball, football, basketball, hockey, field hockey, and, sadly, golf. Shortly thereafter, they stop playing these sports, too, and begin watching these sports on television, including, sadly, golf."
The Article goes on to discuss the decline of soccer playing and the rise of its popularity due to the World Cup and Sylvester Stallone.

Like every other kid in America I played soccer, my brother played soccer, we actually played on the same teams for years. Being one of the only girls on the field was great, especially when I surprised them with my ability and then I was just one of the guys. But my gender was most strongly felt when I accidentally kicked a kid from the other team in the balls and he had to be carried off the field. I could feel the glare of all the males on the field piercing me and willing me to feel the pain their fallen comrade was experiencing.
One of my first career goals in life (besides being a bus driver-how cool was opening and closing the door?!) was to be the first professional women's soccer player. So I guess Mia Hamm kinda stole my spotlight but I guess I shouldn't have a big gripe with her since after 10th grade I stopped playing soccer like so many others. I blame it on my cross-ocean move and unconscious or possibly conscious decision to be the artsy girl and no longer the athletic girl. Regardless I'll always have a special place in my heart for soccer.

Here are some soccer videos for your viewing pleasure:
Mishaps and Tumbles

my favorite is of the little kid falling over, is that wrong?

And Great Goals

And a Funny Ref

and finally, can you bend it like Beckham?