Soccer fans UNITE! It's a global community, after all! I've been waiting a few weeks to write and share this post! Yay!!!
Around the world, two fabulous European and the Americas tournaments, the Euro Cup and Copa America, are in play and the talk of the town. They both started about three weeks ago. If you are a soccer fan, you are in good company with two to four other billions of soccer fans worldwide. It's the most popular game in the world. Do you know how special (and wild) these games have been leading up to the Sunday final matches? I can't wait to see what teams come out on top.
If I haven't watched the games live (mostly the 50 Euro Cup matches held in stadiums around Germany - the host nation), I've taped them to at least view the highlights, including all yellow and red cards and goals. The bracket play was not as fast and furious as I'd like to see, and the scores reflected that scenario - many matches ended in ties with 0-0's and 1-1's. But these tournaments are long, arduous, in the heat of summer, and grueling on the players, so the early rounds are to feel out the other teams in their strengths and weaknesses. The knockout rounds improved, and during the semi-finals, the teams finally "showed up" to play. Phew! The matches did not disappoint (I'm all for the best team to win on any given day).
The USA is hosting the Copa America Cup with fields of play spread out across the nation. It's too bad our USMNT (US Men's team) did not make it out of bracket play, but the final should be exciting with Argentina vs. Columbia. It could be pretty physical (hopefully, not a thugfest). Argentina's Lionel Messi should be able to strut his unbelievable play and dynamic footwork in the box, though the Columbian squad will heavily defend him. You can bet your sweet bippy on that!
On the other side of the pond, England and Spain will go after the prize from the first whistle. It will be lyrical yet fast and furious as if their lives depend on a win. And who knows? That may be true.
That's what I love about the game - and those subtle nuances on how to score and, of course, how to win the game. How will Messi try to squeeze through perhaps eight big guys or pass the ball in a particular way for scoring opportunities? The crowds and the TV-watching communities wait with bated breath when the ball gets in scoring range for any team, let alone the best in the world.
From all the games watched on both coasts, it is noticeable that favorite players strut their stuff, and new talents emerge, like Spain's phenom Lamine Yamel, a 16-year-old. He's the youngest player ever to score in this tournament, dating back to 1955. Wow! He also had several assists this tournament.
An interesting tidbit about the matches is that several own goals were scored in the early rounds, which was somewhat surprising. But it happens, even at this high level of play. Young players should take note of their own goals. They do not need to cry when they score a goal for the opposing team. As players in defending positions who try to protect the goal at almost all costs, sometimes that ball hits funny or takes a leap off someone's boot—it happens. And, frankly, it's part of the game. It's part of why so many players, fans, and the soccer world love it so much.
So, if you are a soccer fan, I know you are tuning in on Sunday, July 14, 2024, to watch these two final championship games. If you are not a fan but are curious about the hubbub of the final matches, and I hope great games to further the cause, here are the teams and game times:
EURO CUP: England vs. Spain at 3:00 PM ET at the Olympiastadian Berlin.
COPA AMERICA: Argentina vs. Columbia at 8 PM ET at the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida.
You may wonder why there is so much fanfare for over 22 players playing "Keep Away" on the world's biggest stages.
Here are the (5) whys (and why I love it so much, too):
The game is simple and can be played by almost anyone, anywhere. It is accessible. The basic rules of soccer are simple and easy to understand. All that is needed to play is a ball, making it accessible to people of all ages and socioeconomic backgrounds.
2. Reach and Cultural Significance: Soccer is played and watched by millions worldwide, making it a unifying global activity. Major events like these two tournaments and the FIFA World Cup attract viewers from every corner of the globe, fostering a sense of international community.
3. Excitement & Unpredictability: The game's dynamic nature, with constant movement and the possibility of a goal at any moment, keeps fans on the edge of their seats. In low-scoring games, every goal is significant, adding to the mania of the match (throw in yellow and red cards, and it ups the ante for both teams).
4. Historical and Cultural Ties: Soccer has deep historical roots in many countries, often tied to national identity and pride. Have you ever been to an English Premier game in London? It's the wildest thing! Clubs and national teams have long histories, traditions, and rivalries that fuel passionate fan bases beyond belief—some teams have been around for over 125 years! Stars players elevate the game's profile even more—everyone wants to see Messi or Harry Kane play their iconic way of scoring goals.
5. Social and Youth Programs: Soccer brings people together, creating communities and fostering social interaction. Many countries have extensive youth development programs that nurture talent from a young age and offer clear pathways to professional careers. This structure encourages widespread participation and interest from an early age (along with their parents, who shuttle the youngsters back and forth to practices).
These top five factors combined contribute to soccer's unparalleled global popularity and enduring appeal year after year. The biggest tournaments and fast and furious play invigorate the crowds once again.
Lastly, when I started refereeing soccer 15 years ago, I didn't realize how much I'd fallen in love with the game. I love all those nuances. As a center referee on hundreds of games, I get to see them all up close and personal! Ha! Not only that, but I love how I've met players, coaches, and parents who hail from all over the globe—even at the youth level, and everyone is accepted! That's the best gift of all.
It's no wonder soccer/futbol is called the beautiful game. It really is!
May the best teams win!
bSoleille!
Terri
Photo credits: Free downloads from Logowik and Shutterstock
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