The Cruel Game

Many pundits round the globe term soccer the beautiful game, a move likely inspired by the corresponding phrase "o jogo bonito" in Brazilian Portuguese.  If your as good as the Brazilians - and they are that good; one of those "myths" that actually happens to be rooted in reality - you get naming rights, no questions asked.  This term, while romantic, fails to capture another, nagging aspect of the sport:  the best team doesn't always win. 

An example occurred just this weekend in Yokohama.  The FIFA Club World Championships final pitted Liverpool FC, the European champions, against Sao Paulo FC, the South American champions, in a competition brought together the club champions of Asia, Oceania, CONCACAF, CAF, and AFC, in addition to the aforementioned regions, for a winner take all tournament to determine the top club team in the world.  Despite a 21-4 advantage in shots and an unthinkable 17-0 advantage in corner kicks, Liverpool succumbed to a single Sao Paulo strike and lost the match.  It's difficult to grasp that even just one of the twenty-one shots didn't ripple the twine; nevertheless, that's the way it went.  This is only one example of a phenomenon seen at least twice a weekend in every league in the world. 

More oft than not, teams playing at peak skill levels are often subject to overly physical tactics which are increasingly overlooked in officiating ranks.  Teams playing a skillful style often drop difficult fixtures to otherwise inferior sides due to this blind eye stance.  The NBA with its traditional run-and-gun Western versus steely Eastern Conference rivalry is prime example of this debate.  Which style is better?  Which is better to watch?  That'd be a matter of preference.

Building a House

Hopefully, we can fix the whole where the old rainy things come in with a little knowledge.  No matter the subject, it's out there to be learned.  Here, however, we're sticking with soccer.  We're trying to build a house large enough to shelter everyone.  It'll be a palace when it's complete, but that's a day way off.  In the mean time, the foundation's been laid and the walls erected.  In fact, the structure's almost complete; all that remains is the furnishing.  Trophies, fans, etc., the whole works to decorate the palace.  The inscription over the door reads: "One Game, One World, One People."  It lies in a forgoten meadow, far from the eyes and ears of the everday.  Its a retreat of sorts, a return to an older era, a grass roots movement.

Not to fear, this palace will be American.  Other nations have their soccer cathedrals and hallowed grounds; we're building our own Right Now.  The tradition unfolds for history as this line is typed.  The US has a ton to prove at this coming World Cup, but we'll get to that later...Been thinkin' about the doorbell in the mean time; when ya gonna ring it?