Jenny’s Blog

The World Cup and US Soccer

Tuesday, June 13th, 2006 |

Yesterday the US team debuted against the Czech Republic in the World Cup. Unfortuantely, we lost, 0-3. We looked a bit sluggish at times - not at all the team the world was expecting to see. I’m hoping that we will do well against Italy and Ghana, and be able to move on past the first round.

The US team is comprised of such great talent - from DeMarcus Beasley to Landon Donovan - we just need to have them, and the rest of the team, play up to their potential. Both Beasley and Donovan didn’t seem to do much of anything during the game. I think the best piece of advice Bruce Arena gave was to simply put this game behind them, and focus on the next games. The US plays Italy this Saturday at 3pm et. I’ve got the TiVo up and ready for the game. In fact my husband and I are having Dish Network installed this Friday so we can get ESPN HD to watch the rest of the World Cup.

My one frustration with the United States is the lack of enthusiasm in regards to the World Cup. Throughout the rest of the world, it is a HUGE event, but here, no one seems to care, or even talk about it. Local channels are only broadcasting a few games (like 5 or 6) out of well over 50 games. It’s quite frustrating. Hence the reason we’re installing the satellite dish. Soccer (or football, as it’s known throughout the rest of the world) is the world’s most popular sport, by far. It eclipses the popularity of American football and baseball. The athleticism and talent required by the players is awe-inspiring, and incredible to watch.

I grew up playing select soccer in California, and loved every minute of it. (Ok, so maybe practices weren’t as fun as games, and I did blow out my ACL at age 16, but still…) I’m currently looking for an adult co-ed league my husband and I and some friends can join, but there isn’t much in Salt Lake City, or even Utah for that matter. I don’t want to play indoor, either - I love playing outside. My hopes every time the World Cup comes around is that it will ignite the soccer spirit here in the States, and more and more people will become interested.

One bit of interesting information is that one of the world’s greatest teams, Real Madrid (David Beckham’s very own team) is coming to Salt Lake City on August 12 to play Real Salt Lake. I’m hoping this also will draw more interest to soccer here in Utah. One can always hope.

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