Sure the game is beset by problems and scandals; allegations of throwing matches have almost destroyed the Italian league and the tendency of players to "dive" to try and attract penalties at this World Cup have made the games a bit of a joke on occasion. But in spite of those concerns, and, in fact, because of the former, there is still all the magic I've always associated with a World Cup.
Can Italy rise above the troubles in its home league and win a fourth World Cup? So far, they have only allowed one goal to be scored into their own net, and that was one they scored on themselves. In the win against Germany, they struck for two very late goals, but showed skill all game and prevented what had been one of the highest scoring sides of the tournament from scoring.
France was only able to squeak by Portugal on a first half penalty and Portugal's inability to finish off plays. The French were badly outplayed, but still managed to hang on for the victory. Everybody is making the Italians favourites to win the Cup now and underestimating the French squad has already cost Brazil and Portugal their chance at a championship.
This is pretty much the same team that won the World Cup eight years ago, just a little older, and with a lot to prove. They don't want to be remembered as the team that won one year and went out in the first round the next. To sandwich the shame of the 2002 Cup debacle between two championships would take a lot of the sting out that year.
But the Azzuri are still the Azzuri and right now they look unbeatable. They've beaten their old nemesis Germany and look like a team that is starting to peak at just the right time. Perhaps I'm just being influenced by sentiment and memories and am only speaking form my heart and not my mind when it comes to my assessment, but that's the World Cup.
It's always been less about intellect and thought and more about emotion. It is one sporting event that still hasn't lost its soul completely and continues to wear its heart on its sleeve.
Article comments
1 - Douglas Mays
Yeah, the whole thing about the USA is getting it in the bloodline. I did some bitchin' in a comment on the article 'Unlike the Scoring, World Cup TV Ratings Are Way Up'. I mention, being from the Northwest USA, we have been playing the game on an organized level since the 50s. So kids have grandparents that have played the game around here (if they didn't move out due to Boeing layoffs or something).
You mention 'dives'. I have always hated that. One thing that USA soccer I hope will change in the sport. Oh man, I wish I had $25,000,000 to purchase an MLS team for the area. I definately have a system of play that would be as innovative as the Dutch coming up with 'total soccer' in the 70s.
Anyway, I crave the game deep. I just have to comment on any World Cup article here on Blogcritics. And hey, there seem to be quite a few. That says something about it's growing popularity in this country, eh?
2 - Richard Marcus
All well and goodbut I 'm a Canuck. Although we have a simillar problem whithe the bloodlines thing. But like I said in an earlier piece, the second generation kids of famlies from Italy, Portugal, and other European and South American countries have made soccer a big sport in urban centres in Eastern Canada for a while.
Now that the cost of hockey has gone through the roof there are actually more young kids playing soccer then hockey. Canada will be hosting the under twenty males World Cup soon, and just hosted the under twenty woman's world cup. (or was it the Woman's world cup I can't remember.) Our problem is that we have only one professional soccer team in the whole country so any of our good players have to play abroad and aren't available for practice with a national team.
Unlike Hockey and Baseball where we have national associations with some power, soccer is still a poor relation. Althought the governments are finally waking up to its potential as all levels have contributed sizably to the construction of a new stadium in Toronto for the above mentioned Under twenty world cup (it must be 2010 or around then anyway)
Hey at least America's team goes to the world cup and occasionaly wins a game or two. The last time we were in, we couldn't even score a goal, let alone win a game. Oh well maybe 2014.
3 - Douglas Mays
Damn! Gotcha. I remember being here in Seattle and the Vancouver B.C. area had it going on as much as we did. True, Canada has 3 USL teams (the league below the MLS). Toronto, Monteal and Vancouver. Good teams that can compete against MLS teams.
Canada has put out some great players like Tony Chursky, Ian Bridge, the Lenarduzi brothers, etc. and sometimes the national team plays great matches against other countries....BUT, I see what you mean about needing more national support and developement, etc....
hhhmmm...I'm not sure what the answer is. I went to bed late and need coffee realy bad...
OK, I'm with you on that Canadian dilemma.