World Cup Action

Most of the world likes soccer. It is a cheap game that requires only a ball, a field, and the ability to run. Which means that most of the world can play and become proficient, since most of the world is poor. Of course, this also means that it discrimates against those who can't walk or run (unlike fencing or track and field). People have died over the outcomes of major games, and not just because the hot tramp at a Buckhead nightclub didn't like their midnight blue Benz. And after being coaxed into watching the Mexico-Argentina game (a nice keg of Sweetwater 420 did the trick), I learned that for a few moments soccer can be quite thrilling. Then again, those moments were two out of the 90 minutes of regulation, and 30 minutes of overtime. I will admit that the third goal of the game was nothing short of magnificent, but come on!

I am an American used to a steady diet of fast paced action - American football has plenty of hits and running in between scores; basketball has plenty of scoring and fouls to invigorate the senses; even baseball seems like a schizophrenic nightmare compared to the lack of action in soccer. Watching World Cup soccer is like watching a marathon - the beginning, the end, and the highlight reel of passes and people falling down like bitches is more rewarding than trying to keep up with the whole thing.