Keys to the Rookie Enjoying the World Cup

Patrick Schaal’s latest post:

In a recent article completed for The New Yorker, the author disclaimed that he has enjoyed soccer his entire life; he started playing as a youth in the mid-1970s, in the heat of the United States boom in soccer.  The sport became popular overnight; despite the joke that no American truly enjoys soccer, the author contends that his generation still very much enjoys the sport.  With the prevalent discussion of the World Cup, the author believes his theory has been proven.

However, intrigue in the event doesn’t automatically lead to an understanding or true appreciation of the sport.  In the article, the author provided several tips on how to get the most enjoyment out of being a spectator.

First, picking a team is important; watching a race is significantly less enjoyable without a dog to hope for.  Place bets, create a bracket; get invested!  The author states that he particularly enjoys rooting for the underdog.  Research is also necessary for this endeavor to be successful.  Five minutes on the Internet can afford a wealth of information—an understanding of the offside rule and how it affects play, finding familiarity with the match-ups and teams that are held as the favorite to win.  Research can also indicate injuries of players, influencing the chance of placing successful bets.

An event such as the World Cup also presents an opportunity to appreciate the sociocultural anthropology of teams and countries all over the world.  Study the rise and fall in confidence, both on an individual level, as well as team-wide.  Observe the delicate balance of commitment struck between offense and defense; it’s a study in risk versus reward.  An event such as this also archives differences in how countries and continents strive to approach the game differently.

To truly appreciate the sport, as argued by the author, the spectator must embrace the physicality of soccer.  The ever-flowing movement must be the focus, not simply setting the eyes to the ball.  Try to appreciate the skill that is required to pass the ball so fluidly that it almost appears to magically land precisely where it was intended; think on the hours, days, months and years of practice that must’ve been required to make the pass look so effortless.  If this appreciation is delved into, no spectator will remain confused on the draw of the sport.

from Patrick Schaal http://ift.tt/1ozyncV