World Cup and perspectives

News & Current Events Current Events
1

I’ve never been a soccer fan. I played a little during PE when I was in school a long time ag and never took to the game. I liked using my hands and preferred football, baseball, basketball and even volleyball. So, the world cup coming to the US wasn’t really a big deal to me. But I did watch some of the games and understood why others enjoyed it so much. Still, to me, it was just soccer.

Then, I started reading some fan comments. Not the ones from the US but the comments from fans from other countries. One of the first articles I read told of some people from a country that I can’t remember, talking about how different the US is than the news they received about us at home. They had met the real people of America and were very surprised and happy about how nice they were and how helpful they were, even when language barriers made it hard to communicate.

They raved about the service they got at restaurants, and the food was at the top of their list of things they couldn’t believe. From, Taco Bell to Buckee’s to small sandwich shops and large restaurants, they marveled at how much food their orders had brought. And they loved it all.

Some of these foreign tourists drove around parts of the country and couldn’t believe the sights and attractions available in each state they visited. They took it all in. And they loved it all.

I saw a picture this morning, of one of Norway’s soccer stars getting off the plane in Norway with one of his purchases in the US. It was a stuffed racoon holding a whiskey bottle. And I loved it.

Above all, they changed my perspective of the people of their countries. Most of us don’t get to meet THE PEOPLE of those nations, we get to see their governments and their media. This is what drives perspectives of just about everything you’ve never seen for yourself. The same applies to this country, all over the world.

Overall, I just wanted to thank everyone that came for the world cup. It made me even more proud of our country, and I hope when they go home, they tell everyone the truth about THE PEOPLE of America. And at the same time, I have learned more about them. And that’s a good thing.

Oh, by the way, I’m working on my soccer reference. I’m trying to remember to call it “Futbol”. (I think I spelled it right) If not, I’m still learning and I will try to get it all right because of my respect for the people that came and saw America for what it really is.

Otherwise, I’m going to enjoy the semi’s and the final, if for no other reason, THEM.

8 Likes
2

I played youth soccer for 5 seasons as a kid. It was very popular in the Seattle area in the 70s. Even with my enthusiasm for playing soccer, watching in on TV is boring. I’d rank it slightly more boring than watching PGA golf on TV.

What the World Cup actually did was it took the narrative away from the left. The liberals and the liberal media have been beating the “USA is terrible” drum for years. The foreign tourists found just the opposite. It was incredibly refreshing to see a positive perspective on what we have and why we should be thankful.

8 Likes
3

It’s too bad more people here can’t come to grips with the fact that what our MSM is feeding us is BULL$hit.

I was perusing MSnow (Media Snow?) this morning and couldn’t stop shaking my head. Their propaganda is off the hook.

7 Likes
4

The best interaction must be the one featuring two Japanese men at a Cabelas or Basspro.

6 Likes
5

This one, an instant classic

7 Likes
6

Most of what those visitors get is from CNN international…what do you expect? Of course they get fake news.

I say we keep the foreigners and send back a liberal. Kind of a one for one swap to the respective nation.

5 Likes
7

I couldn’t agree more how good this has been for everyone, both the visitors and Americans. It’s been a refreshing break from the constant drumbeat of negativity and ugliness that is pervasive across all regular media.

For the life of me, I don’t know why so many with a microphone and a network want to bash and destroy this beautiful country and her awesome people, but hopefully their days really are numbered.

I’ve also learned about soccer for the first time, and what I thought was a dull sport with minimal scoring has turned out to be a great entertainment with some pretty impressive athletes. My only gripe is, I wish they’d act a little more like hockey players and pretend NOT to be hurt instead of acting like a simple fall is the end of their world. Not all do that, but enough do that my wife and I had a running joke about it. Still, it’s a great sport and I’m glad we did it here, especially in time for so many to enjoy our 250ty birthday and see some real patriotism.

5 Likes
8

I’ve been playing football (European) all my life. Started in 6 grade, went through all sport education , ended in professional 3rd division.
I’m still playing, just for fun, even I’m on my mid 50’s.. and I’m hoping to play as long as I enjoy it. But now I’m playing soccer :sweat_smile:

This sport is about fun for us, footballers and joy for fans / spectators. No politics not other BS.
PLAYERS: Play, have fun, enjoy, be better… and be willing to lose.
FANS: Watch, enjoy, smile, laugh or cry…

These days there is really no difference where the World Cup takes place. Of course, Europe is still on the top, but with all the great players ending their carriers in MLS League, USA became another place for big soccer / football tournaments.

I met and spoke with several people / groups coming to USA for this World Cup. Everyone was surprised how organized we are. Thank God soccer fans don’t care about our problems - no war with Iran, no political conflicts… Just great stores, big streets, lot of beer and great food !
And actually that what matters !

My favorite European team advanced to the Final… I hope Argentina will do the same tomorrow. :flexed_biceps:

:spain: :argentina:

3 Likes
9

Love the hockey analogy. What other sport do you get up after taking a 96mph puck to the face and go to the locker room under your own power.

NBA players are the worse but back to original topic

4 Likes
10

Agree! Jack Hughes after the US Olympic win was the best rep of the sport and the country. Blood running down his face, teeth missing, absolutely elated at what they had just done, with the US flag draped over his shoulders.

No crying and moaning about his real injury, just winning.

I grew up playing hockey. Other than cycilng, it was the only sport I was very good at. I wasn’t great at puck handling (not very coordinated), but I could skate faster than about anyone, so I played left defense and made it my job to beat breakaways, slam guys into the boards, and get the puck out of the zone. I still love the sport.

Being in West Central Florida, you wouldn’t think there’s much hockey, but we have the Lightning and lots of good rinks around here. I don’t play anymore, but still skate whenever I can.

3 Likes
11

Daughter played right wing for 10 years and coached 10U last season. She’s 15. No 16U around here and she refuses to play on a girl’s league. She says they are all bitches and dont want the games.

Hockey runs strong around here also.

Hughes is a stud. His attitude was great. I was thinking of McNabb.

2 Likes
12

I taught both my daughters to skate, both ice and inline, but, truth be told, I’m glad they never took up hockey because I’m broke already :rofl:

Ice time and hockey leagues are seriously expensive, at least around here.

3 Likes
13

You ain’t joking on price. Kinda glad myself she’s done playing…only on the money issue. Her last year the muskegon lumberjacks payed for her season. They were trying to promote girls in hockey so that helped alot. Saved me $2200 in league costs.

I dont know soccer, but from what i seen the players make the sport, like hockey. Attitude and they way the players present themselves is generally top notch.

2 Likes
14

Too bad the referees aren’t in Futbol.

2 Likes
15

Refs suck in all sports. My daughter got her refs certificate last year. I asked her if she really wanted to ref and be the most hated person on the ice. She decided the money wasn’t worth it .

IMG_20250919_151934
IMG_20250919_1519341172×1562 296 KB

3 Likes
16

I was a futbol coach licensed to coach college for 28 years starting with the little squirts. I also was a ref for 12 of those years. At the same time I have always been a hockey fan. They are both fantastic games to play, coach, ref and watch. To this day I watch them, rugby and car racing.

1 Like
17

A guy at work says soccer or futbol is similar to hockey. From the little I seen, some is similar