Knowledge is the Key to the Game

Despite the flurry of excitement surrounding the 2010 World Cup, soccer continues to get a bad rap. The main criticism of the sport is that it is boring, because it is low scoring and can end in a tie. As a former soccer goalkeeper, I have an understanding of the intricacies of the sport, which I believe creates an appreciation for all aspects of the game, especially those that do not involve a goal. The more the viewer understands the game, the more components they can then appreciate and find an interest in.

Conjure up the memory of the last time you shared a night of gossip over a bottle of wine with your single lady girlfriends. I am sure the conversation revolved around "boy drama." There are endless stories of dates, hookups, and commitment phobia. Regardless of the amount of wine consumed, as I am sure there were empty bottles involved, laughter took over the night and you left craving more details of dating mishaps and embarrassing moments. Yet, none of the gossip ended with one of your friends "scoring" by landing the guy. Despite your girlfriend's failure to get the guy, the ultimate goal of these dating conquests, you want to hear more about the dating adventures. You even secretly hope that your friend will not end up with the guy, because that would surely make your girl nights much less humorous and dynamic.

Like the boy drama you crave, I believe that soccer is a sport that you can appreciate without the scoring of numerous goals. We love the boy drama, despite our girlfriends' failures to "score," because we have an understanding of the dating struggle since we have been through it at one point or another. By spending some more time watching and learning the sport of soccer, you will gain a knowledge of the game that will enable you to appreciate the 50/50 balls, headers, passing, and free kicks just as much, if not more, than the goals.