Futbol!

I found myself watching a soccer match on ESPN2 the other day.  It wasn't the World Cup, it wasn't the MLS, it was a European match.  There are way too many leagues across the pond to keep track of unless you are hardcore about soccer.  It was just fun to watch.

I have watched some MLS games every once in a great while and it wasn't anything great to watch.  It was entertaining, yes, but compared to the games that are played in Europe, it was nothing.  And why?  It's because of the atmosphere.  During an MLS game, there is not ninety minutes of loud continuous cheering from the stands.  And by cheering, I mean chanting.  Watching the European games, the fans (absolute definition of fanatics) stand for the entire match.  They have chants and songs of which are a ton better than the vuvuzelas that plagued the World Cup.  Just thinking of those noise makers sends shivers down my spine.  And when a goal is scored?  Holy shit, the cheers can shake the walls.  It's engrossing.  It's addictive.  It's what sports should be.  True dedication by the fans at the game for the entire game.  Think of all the sporting events you have gone to.  Are you on your feet for the entire time?  No.  It's a lot of sitting and sporadic standing up or jumping up and cheering.

I don't think this kind of fandom will ever catch on here in the U.S.  The fans here are not that dedicated.  Even the biggest fan of the best team will not stand for an entire game.  I wouldn't do it.  I wouldn't stand for an entire baseball game or a hockey game.  It's not ingrained in our sports watching.  We sit around, we drink beer, and swear at the officials.





At least sports fans got that last one right.