06/12/2010 04:55:08 PM EST

This is why Americans hate soccer.

posted by Dennis Cao

A flashy game between the United States and England took place today, and I took some time to watch my first soccer game in years, so I was expecting a good game.

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Most of the time, the game was actually slightly interesting. It was really slow compared to its ice clone hockey, but it was still watchable. 

 However, after 90 minutes, the game was tied. I expected it to go to overtime or a shootout, but they just let the game end that way. While Erin Burnett may have enjoyed this result, I did not. Seriously, what a waste of 90 minutes. I might as well have not watched in the first place since the end result did not advance either team. I will probably not watch another match of soccer for a long while.

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This is why Americans hate soccer. | 59 comments (59 topical, 0 hidden)
The rest of the world... (none / 1)
Doesn't mind losing or having contests that have no "winners".

That is why the rest of the world sucks and we don't...

:)

by bobo1 on 06/12/2010 05:24:40 PM EST

Soccer In Two Sentences (none / 0)
Soccer is the sports equivalent of blue-balls. You get all pumped up and excited only to have a Debbie Schlussel ending.

by Tom Hanc on 06/12/2010 05:33:12 PM EST

Americans hate soccer (none / 0)

because they suck at it. I would not be surprised if the payed to English goalie to let that last goal in, because that shot sucked. But what I find funny is the ridiculous arrogance (unless you are guys are joking which is plausible) that Americans don't like soccer because the rest of the world are idiots with no sense of sports aesthetics.

 

The two explanations of why Emericans hate soccer:

A) The rest of the world are a bunch of asseholes

B) The suck at it

 I don't know about you guys but I choose the latter choice

by sulmagnificent on 06/12/2010 05:42:27 PM EST

I agree completely!!!!!!!!!!! (none / 0)
And the name is "Football" not Soccer ......

A Proud Progressive!!!

by teron678 on 06/12/2010 06:06:56 PM EST

[ Parent ]
Ditto. (none / 0)

If we had a chance to win the World Cup, people wouldn't piss and moan about soccer so much, including these sore losers. Thank God they weren't around in 1980 when were were supposed to suck at ice hockey, and then something happened in Lake Placid; they'd have called hockey a "commie sport" instead of doing the seemingly more patriotic thing and rooting for our team.

Actually, considering our performance against England today, and getting to the finals of the Confederations Cup last year and losing 3-2 to Brazil (the New York Yankees of international football), I'd say we suck no longer.

(Also, Clint Dempsey is from my hometown, so there's extra pride for me.)

by LudwigVan on 06/12/2010 07:25:32 PM EST

[ Parent ]
these sore losers? (none / 0)
Yep, that explains why the trolls are so against a game. Once again, their radios have told them what to think.

"No, you are a paid blogger assigned to counter anyone that posts something negative about the government or Obama." by Mcamelyne II on 05/17/2011

by Robrob on 06/12/2010 08:55:46 PM EST

[ Parent ]
Absolutely right (none / 0)
If Americans can't dominate something then Americans are interested only in ignoring it and hoping that it goes away.  Of course, we try to help it go away, but the rest of the world just isn't very interested in American football or basketball.  They like soccer...

...and one reason may be because they're so much better at it than we are.  Good for them!

by EveningStarNM on 06/12/2010 08:03:53 PM EST

[ Parent ]
Actually, (none / 0)

progressives, liberals and even more so "intellectuals" are the Americans who enjoy soccer the most.

If you are susceptible to beauty, technical genius and strategic mastery you should be able to enjoy soccer.

On the other end of the scope is baseball. If you prefer baseball to soccer you are most likely an idiot or at the very least a gun-loving redneck

:p

 

Also, there is no money in soccer compared to other sports in USA.

 

 

by Puffin on 06/12/2010 05:57:59 PM EST

Two Sports (none / 0)
Two sports that are fun to play but just too damn boring to watch. (unless your kid is playing)

Baseball and Soccer.

Life is too short to spend two hours on a tie.
I say finish the fucking game.

by designs on 06/12/2010 06:00:06 PM EST

No way! (none / 0)
I don't want to sit around for another two hours hoping someone will score.  Lemme go home!

by EveningStarNM on 06/12/2010 08:05:27 PM EST

[ Parent ]
Definitely players' sports, not spectators' sports (none / 0)

I played both soccer and baseball as a kid, so I guess that's why I appreciate them more.

Golf, on the other hand, is boring in every way. I don't see how anyone under 80 would want to play that game.

by LudwigVan on 06/12/2010 08:42:32 PM EST

[ Parent ]
Also, to put it in perspective... (none / 0)

The fact that goals are fewer and farther between makes scoring a goal and witnessing the same all the more sweeter.

When Kobe drops a field goal, that's like Hugh Hefner getting laid, big deal. But someone in soccer boots one, even if it's Ronaldo, that's like me getting laid.

by LudwigVan on 06/12/2010 08:53:23 PM EST

[ Parent ]
so (none / 0)
hockey>soccer>the rest

by ilockitdown on 06/12/2010 06:12:30 PM EST

libs (none / 3)

Libs like soccer so much because of their sick obsession with Europe.  They think it makes them more worldly. 

 Americans don't like soccer because unlike the rest of the world they haven't been DIRT POOR.  They can afford real sports with real equipment and expensive facilities.  

by Pussgurka on 06/12/2010 06:38:46 PM EST

its posts like this (none / 1)
That prove Bill Mahers point

you are fucking stupid


by Chinese Democracy on 06/12/2010 06:44:44 PM EST

[ Parent ]
Did you lie about yourself in your profile? (none / 0)
Your profile puts you way left of center, but this comment indicates that you're a bigoted, right-wing fanatic.

You should quit doing drugs immediately.

by EveningStarNM on 06/12/2010 08:09:46 PM EST

[ Parent ]
Wow, that's a keeper (none / 1)
You are certainly in contention for dumbest troll post ever.

"No, you are a paid blogger assigned to counter anyone that posts something negative about the government or Obama." by Mcamelyne II on 05/17/2011

by Robrob on 06/12/2010 08:24:13 PM EST

[ Parent ]
understand it or shut pie hole (none / 2)
If you are going to be a soccer fan and/or attempt to appreciate the World Cup, you really have to adapt to a different kind of thinking, a different perspective.  In the American mentality there is a "game" and after the game there is a "winner". The World Cup is a soccer tournament, a competition. The goal right now is not to "win"; the goal is to get out of group play and make it to the elimination rounds.  You cannot look at this game in isolation; you have to put the three games that each team will play in group play all together.  When group play is over, there will be no ties, and Americans can shut their traps and stop whining. When group play is over, two teams from each group will advance for sure, based on how they did in the games.  Maybe it was ok for the US to finish with a tie in this game, but depending on how the rest of the games finish, there will be a time when everything will be on the line for the US or  for England and victory will be essential.  It's just a different approach to a sports tournament. Try to understand it rather than bitch and complain. I'm as American as apple pie, but I get sick and tired of other Americans bitching about soccer when they don't understand it.  I live in a country with a bunch of cavemen.

David

by yturks on 06/12/2010 06:56:25 PM EST

Group Play (none / 0)

To hell does group play have to do with tie games, olympic volleyball has group play with no tie games and that system works perfectly fine.

 Any sport that has a goal other than "to win" has no place in our living rooms.

by Dennis Cao on 06/12/2010 07:03:55 PM EST

[ Parent ]
Dennis, you've got to pull your head out of there. (none / 0)
There are billions upon billions of people who disagree with you, and when that many people disagree with you, you should consider listening instead of talking.

by EveningStarNM on 06/12/2010 08:12:54 PM EST

[ Parent ]
Reality (none / 0)
Soccer is actually extremely popular up until the pro level.  Its not more popular because the big marketers have not sexed it up enough.  They have not sold us some stars.  The reason they have not marketed it up is because they cannot hit us with endless commercials.  The moment they find a way to pimp up the sport enough to sell products Americans will be pimped in to loving soccer at the professional level.  Once teenagers start getting more puntang in high school for playing it with the possibility of becoming rich in the future then America's best athletes will begin to play it.

by kylewis on 06/12/2010 09:33:26 PM EST

[ Parent ]
Soccer doesn't have room for commercials (none / 0)
Soccer doesn't work well on American television because it's hard to stop it for three minutes every three minutes to show a series of commercials.

by EveningStarNM on 06/13/2010 04:58:45 PM EST

[ Parent ]
Win (none / 0)
Only a million percent true.

by Wifflum on 06/13/2010 06:26:22 PM EST

[ Parent ]
More like as American as creme brulee... (none / 0)
oh Dave...  I understand it. I just didn't enjoy it. Is that ok?
The soccer-centric arrogance make caveman sad.

by designs on 06/13/2010 12:38:38 AM EST

[ Parent ]
Not all football games are enjoyable (none / 0)
especially seeing how laid back and unmotivated the Brits were

but good games can be quite something

even if i don't support the sport for political reasons i understand its brilliance

"The best lack all conviction, while the worst are filled with passionate intensity."Yeats

by kkdragonlord on 06/13/2010 01:01:02 AM EST

[ Parent ]
ok.. I'll give you that.... (none / 0)
... I've seen many good matches and I keep coming back but can they at least finish the suck games to a decision? I'm really trying here.

Making the field smaller might make the players consider more carefully where they place the ball where now it kinda just seems like 90 minutes of just kicking the ball back and forth. I need more strategy than random ball placement and control changing with nearly every kick.

.. and the sport isn't doing itself any favors with all the bloody vuvuzelas.

by designs on 06/13/2010 09:12:08 AM EST

[ Parent ]
Soccer: The Liberal Plot To Destroy America (none / 0)
Does America have World Cup fever? Or does the liberal media just want America to contract this deadly plague, because--like socialized medicine and soft cheeses--it's a silent killer that weakens our nation from within?

Fear not, though, Patriots. Matthew Philbin, of conservative watchdog website Newbusters.org ("We Bust News!"), is on to the schemes of leftist haters who want nothing more than to pansify the United States with the friendly, low-scoring games beloved by Communists and brown people. He is correct that every four years commentators try to convince this country that soccer is poised to take over the sports landscape--despite there being very little evidence to support this claim. But is it merely the work of desperate journalists hungry for a topical trend piece? Or is it something more nefarious?

Like a socialist agenda that demands our president bow down before illegal immigrants

Link

Didnt write any of that ..it was to funny to topical and to good to pass by.. plus I dont have the energy ..Im exhausted battling the forces of evil...

It is hysterical the number of things the right wing nut bags find to get stirred up about .


by Chinese Democracy on 06/12/2010 07:16:11 PM EST

Contrast and Compare (none / 1)

Our conservative friends stomp around here with their chests puffed out each time Fox News has a good batch of ratings( particularly this sock puppets master). "You suck! We have more viewers..blah blah blah blah" they shout.

Conservatives always point out that in a head to head comparison with individual outlets, Fox wins. To them, the simple numeric superiority of the Nielsen ratings means their point of view is also superior, superior by wining the ratings comparisons.

Using the same logic there is no comparison, soccer is king no matter how you compare it with American sports. 

More people play soccer, watch soccer and attend soccer games than all American sports combined.

The 2006 World Cup final from Germany was viewed by upward of 350 million people worldwide compared with the 109 million that watched the Superbowl the same year.

 
I dont care for soccer but I must admit, soccer must be superior.The numbers dont lie.
 
One could conclude that soccer is to sports like Fox is to cable news.
 
Sorry.
 

by MRFred on 06/12/2010 07:26:20 PM EST

Close, but not quite. (none / 0)
Soccer is to sports what Fox News is to lying media outlets for right wing kooks.

Pie eating contests are to sports what Fox News is to news.

by EveningStarNM on 06/12/2010 09:05:50 PM EST

[ Parent ]
Washington was no American Idiot (none / 2)
It's a good thing General George Washington didn't have this simple-minded American mentality of "win or lose - no other choices".  He understood that fighting the Brits to a draw was a step in the direction of victory. He was fighting a war, not a specific battle.  The teams in Group play have three soccer matches to finish in the top two of the group. That is the objective.

David

by yturks on 06/12/2010 08:27:37 PM EST

Agreed (none / 0)
If you are fighting a superior enemy, fight him to a draw( does this sound like the Taliban?).

by mmosespt on 06/12/2010 08:38:25 PM EST

[ Parent ]
Sports (none / 1)
You cannot compare general history and warfare to sports.

by Dennis Cao on 06/12/2010 08:40:20 PM EST

[ Parent ]
Sure you can (none / 1)
you just cant understand the analogy.

by MRFred on 06/12/2010 09:04:24 PM EST

[ Parent ]
You can if you're intelligent enough... (none / 1)
...to see the obvious connection to basic human psychology.  Fortunately, there are relatively few people who have to have that explained to them.

by EveningStarNM on 06/12/2010 09:09:46 PM EST

[ Parent ]
Because most Americans can't pay attention (none / 0)
they lowered the pitching mound, introduced fighting to ice hockey and introduced the illegal defense into basketball. That's the reason most Americans can't stand soccer. The best sport for Americans would be one that features women in bikinis on roller skates with hockey sticks shooting at a fifty foot goal.

by mmosespt on 06/12/2010 08:27:56 PM EST

Game of the Gods (none / 0)
The best sport for Americans would be one that features women in bikinis on roller skates with hockey sticks shooting at a fifty foot goal.

Wait, that's what I thought curling was! You're right, I really don't pay attention.

by OneHitKill on 06/13/2010 11:45:43 AM EST

[ Parent ]
It's because Americans are grown to be pussies.. (none / 0)
..And can't handle rough games. Basketball: no contact allowed. Baseball: running after a ball with no inherent contact. Hardhats? come on! American Football: Helmets? Pads? Plastic Armour? Look at the Australians. They don't need any of that shit. And today: In an International Track and Field event held in New York, the US had no javelin throwers present, mostly because it's forbidden in high school due the danger. Wimpish.

by Zajuts149 on 06/12/2010 08:48:22 PM EST

Americans are a lot of things (none / 0)
but the last thing I'd call them are pussies.

by mmosespt on 06/12/2010 09:27:49 PM EST

[ Parent ]
Some are (none / 0)
Look around, you'll find them.

by OneHitKill on 06/13/2010 11:48:59 AM EST

[ Parent ]
The reason is... (none / 0)
Its hard to hide a javelin in your locker.

by MRFred on 06/13/2010 10:27:18 AM EST

[ Parent ]
lolwut? (none / 0)

The Australians "don't need any of that shit" because the sport is a lot less violent. American football is centered around high speed collisions.

I see ignorant comparisons like this all the time. Please actually watch the sport before criticizing it.

by evul1 on 06/14/2010 06:47:53 PM EST

[ Parent ]
Silly Cao (none / 0)
A flashy game between the United States and England took place today, and I took some time to watch my first soccer game in years, so I was expecting a good game.

No, you weren't.

It was really slow compared to its ice clone hockey, but it was still watchable.

I've never heard of "ice clone hockey" but it sounds like it raises some ethical questions.

by OneHitKill on 06/12/2010 11:05:15 PM EST

No, you weren't. (none / 0)
Yeah, apparently this is the latest RWnut talking point. They are really running out of things to complain about aren't they?

"No, you are a paid blogger assigned to counter anyone that posts something negative about the government or Obama." by Mcamelyne II on 05/17/2011

by Robrob on 06/12/2010 11:19:40 PM EST

[ Parent ]
Ice Clone Hockey (none / 0)

...maybe he meant Ice Clown Hockey...

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

by MRFred on 06/13/2010 10:25:18 AM EST

[ Parent ]
Pointless, as usual. (none / 0)
And Texas is a state lived in by girls.

And Topping is a last name attributed to girls.

And you're a girl.

What? Prove me wrong.

by OneHitKill on 06/12/2010 11:18:42 PM EST

I have no idea why (none / 0)
America hates soccer, just why I do. But that's not right either. I don't hate soccer-I, like others, prefer a game with winners. To me, it just seems like that (and I know I'll kill the spelling) ro-cham-bo stuff-lets kick each other in the balls. I'll go first. A few years back, when the U.S. womens team won the world cup, that's what they did-kicked free shots at the goal 'till one went in. Yawn. Here in Salt Lake City, the SL Real won the MLS title last year. They were not the best team in their division. It's just that the Eastern division sucked so bad, the powers that be decided that 2 western division teams should play for the title. And guess what? After a while, they all had to line up and kick free shots at the goal 'till the L.A. goalie fell asleep. In his defence, he was watching a soccer game. Want me to watch? Make the goal 30% larger and add a three point shot. And give 'em sticks.

by Pritch on 06/13/2010 01:08:44 AM EST

larger? (none / 0)
You have no idea how  big the goal is and how fast the ball can go

bad football is not football, here in Brazil we call that "pelada" (a pejorative term that literally means naked-chick, hell if i know why).

And btw, for those like you who still dont get it... Football isn't just about the win, its about the game,

The fact that its hard to score means that when it happens its because of true skill

Who watches football does it frequently no matter what team is playing just to for the chance to see true displays of skill

"The best lack all conviction, while the worst are filled with passionate intensity."Yeats

by kkdragonlord on 06/13/2010 01:35:35 AM EST

[ Parent ]
SKill and Brilliance (none / 0)
Here is a developer video of the new FIFA 11 videogame

The cool (and on topic) thing about it is how it shows different levels of skill in players.

When football fans see great shows of skill they get a thrill like no other.

"The best lack all conviction, while the worst are filled with passionate intensity."Yeats

by kkdragonlord on 06/14/2010 12:15:04 PM EST

[ Parent ]
hahahahahaaa (none / 0)
because of true skill

Did you SEE the US v ENG match?
Or how about Netherlands v Denmark?

True skill my arse. Too easy drill-sergeant.

by designs on 06/14/2010 03:03:09 PM EST

[ Parent ]
America doesn't ''hate'' soccer (none / 0)
A lot of Americans simply don't care about it.  While we're raising a generation of children who start playing soccer at a very early age, older Americans just don't understand soccer.  We understand the rules of baseball.  We know a lot about football strategy and plays.  And we understand teamwork in basketball.

While soccer resembles basketball somewhat, there are too few commercial breaks, and we find it difficult to pay attention to anything for more than a few minutes at a time.

by EveningStarNM on 06/13/2010 05:05:50 PM EST

[ Parent ]
My team won today, bitchez (none / 0)
Argentina - Nigeria 1-0

All sports are equally retarded. Soccer's the most watchable.

And in case anyone's confused, the first World Cup round is for points. Elimination games come later, and yes, they have overtime and they keep going until a winner is decided.

And come on, nobody else laughed their ass off at the British keeper? Oops! HA!

by Capitalocracy on 06/13/2010 04:00:41 AM EST

Re: The Game (none / 0)

OH MY GOD, when he let it in!!!

 Still, he won't be doing it again. Shame it had to happen, he's actually a pretty good keeper...

by LastAngryMan2 on 06/13/2010 12:36:48 PM EST

[ Parent ]
Keeper miss (none / 0)

I saw a little picture slideshow thing of the game, and it shows a picture of the miss, and then him like.. ugh, just in total misery.

It made me feel really really bad for him. That has to suck so fucking bad.

 

Also, to all sports being retarded. Footballs not bad when you understand it, and MMA is awesome. When they're not grappling the whole time anyway :/

by Wifflum on 06/13/2010 06:35:12 PM EST

[ Parent ]
To quote your statement.. (none / 0)
Quote: "And come on, nobody else laughed their ass off at the British keeper? Oops! HA!"

There are a considerable number of British that are laughing at the howler and will do for some time to come.

They are called The Scotish, The Welsh and people of Northern Ireland.

by Dr Jodis Welch on 06/14/2010 04:13:52 PM EST

[ Parent ]
now this I enjoyed.... (none / 0)
Can we just get each game into this format?

by designs on 06/14/2010 02:57:33 PM EST

Why Americans hate soccer? (none / 1)

This seems to be more of an explanation of why you hate it, and that reason seems to be because you don't understand it. I'm an American and I love soccer. You're upset because "they just let the game end that way", but in your ignorance, you fail to realize that it was a huge result for the United States. You also don't seem to be aware of the difference between group play and the knockout rounds (where they don't "just let the game end that way"). I'd say that if you're going to watch the World Cup and want there to be at least some semblance of aptitude on your part, read up a bit about the competition before making mindless rants.

But I'm probably wasting my time even suggesting this, because if you think a game is a "waste" when it ends in a draw, any further explanation of how points are awarded is probably going to be way too complicated for you.

by evul1 on 06/14/2010 05:49:37 PM EST

Not hate, indifference.... (none / 0)
For the last fucking time. I played the sport and understand the sport. I just don't ENJOY watching it as much as other sports. It's the same with baseball and golf. I play them all and enjoy doing so but as a spectator sport it is just not as interesting for me. No one is calling you a dumb ass for enjoying it. It's not a right or wrong issue. Jeebus that arrogance is incredible. Do I fucking require you to enjoy Irish Hurling?

There's lots of sports and I think we can all enjoy the ones we like. Why the push to somehow make everyone watch this one and call everyone stupid if they don't like it as much as others?

.. and you wonder why people are put off.

by designs on 06/14/2010 07:10:41 PM EST

[ Parent ]
I think he was more referring to (none / 0)

the original dumbass post and dumbass comments like this one.

by Spencer on 06/14/2010 07:19:41 PM EST

[ Parent ]
So many straw men here (none / 0)

I never:

Claimed anyone is calling me "a dumb ass for enjoying it", (so it's seems to be unnecessary for you to defend such a notion)

Claimed anyone was right or wrong

Pushed to make everyone watch soccer

Called anyone stupid for not liking soccer

Wondered why people are put off

For the most part, it seems as if you might be responding to another post and accidentally clicked reply to mine, because nothing you've said was a response to anything I've said. Furthermore, my post was directed at the OP, so it's wholly irrelevant that you've said this "for the last fucking time", or if you want to say it 10 more times, because I wasn't talking to you in the first place.

by evul1 on 06/17/2010 09:55:34 AM EST

[ Parent ]
This is why Americans hate soccer. | 59 comments (59 topical, 0 hidden)
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