The USA beat Ghana in World Cup Play and I should care?

MSG Brad Sand — Tue, 17 Jun 2014 12:46:03 -0400

Can someone please help me understand why I am supposed to like soccer…care about soccer…now that the USA beat Ghana in soccer? While I can understand that Ghana is a soccer powerhouse…if it is, excuse the sarcasm…but the only thing I know about Ghana soccer is that they beat the US twice? I understand that soccer is growing in popularity in the United States but isn’t it still a strong fifth, right between hockey and field hockey?

Response by MSG Wade Huffman made Jun 17 at 2014 12:54 PM

MSG Wade Huffman — Tue, 17 Jun 2014 12:54:51 -0400

I wouldn't have even known it was world cup time if it weren't for it being all over the news. Although my daughter played soccer in high school, and my granddaughter plays, I've never really understood or cared to understand the sport. Not to take anything away from those who do, just not my thing I guess.

Response by LCpl Steve Wininger made Jun 17 at 2014 12:57 PM

LCpl Steve Wininger — Tue, 17 Jun 2014 12:57:47 -0400

Brad... Perhaps we should send the soccer team to Iraq to deal with the terrorists.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 17 at 2014 1:22 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 17 Jun 2014 13:22:55 -0400

I love soccer, and the World Cup specifically. I really enjoy it for similar reasons as with the Olympics, but the Olympics have become too commercialized and lost meaning over the years IMO. Not only is soccer a difficult and demanding sport to play, it encompasses a traditional competition level and sportsmanship that is missing from many other modern sports. Add to that it is one of the oldest sports in civilized humanity, and is the most commonly known and participated in across the entire globe. Where it appeals to me is that commonality and sense of competitive pride which is shared by all walks of life, regardless of their other differences. Borders, people, ethnicity, diplomatic interests, races, religions and governments are all placed to the side, while Men (and women) compete and support their teams as they take the field with and against each other in a demonstration of prowess and humility. If you ask me, the World Cup is one of the last remaining stages where everyone can come together at the core of who we are as the inhabitants of one planet. Differences are celebrated rather than admonished, and pride is peacefully and largely displayed, while bragging rights are humbly earned. I guess when you see teams like the US and Iran take a field and shake hands, embracing in genuine sportsmanship and mutual respect, to play a game on the world stage, it speaks metaphorically for something really important underneath all the crap. That is just one example, but is why the World Cup means something to me.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 17 at 2014 2:25 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 17 Jun 2014 14:25:26 -0400

I Love Soccer. Both my parents imigrated from Brazil to the US before I was born. I can remember every World Cup from 1982 (when I was 7) on up. I love Football and the NY Giants. But Soccer comes in a solid second. MLS and Soccer is growing in this country. it is listed as the #2 sport in the US for kids ages 12-24. That says alot............MLS is growing and adding teams every year.

Soccer is truly an international sport. The rest of the world makes Soccer #1. WE (the USA) are the different ones. We are the ones who place the NFL/MLB/NBA on top. There is more to it then just the world cup every 4 years.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 18 at 2014 2:09 AM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 18 Jun 2014 02:09:17 -0400

You're not supposed to care, MSG. You were born into a nation and generation that loves other sports.

Response by Maj Albert C. made Jun 18 at 2014 11:39 AM

Maj Albert C. — Wed, 18 Jun 2014 11:39:30 -0400

Try again! Soccer is now the third most played team sport behind basketball and baseball, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. There are 18 million kids playing soccer in the USA, so it's not just growing--it's big! Maybe if some of us took the time to learn and sometimes watch exciting games, such as in the Spanish La Liga (Barcelona vs Real Madrid) or in the World Cup (USA vs Ghana), we would learn to appreciate what a great sport soccer is.

If you think baseball is more exciting to watch, please hand me another hot dog!