So I was expecting the object to be globalization,
and in a positive way.

I mean, to me, the happier consequences of globalization (global, instant communications too) are the ones like this--sharing and appreciating international cultures. Together. I like it.

It's best to deny people like that the oxygen of publicity.

As someone who's lived in the US for nearly 35 years now, I've seen almost a complete turnaround in attitudes towards the sport. Coulter's opinions (if that's what they are, and the not the performance art I suspect it is) used to be absolutely mainstream.. Now (nearly) everybody is talking about the World Cup and many are genuinely excited by it. That's only going to grow even more in the future.

I'm really not exaggerating when I say that saying you liked "soccer" was almost on par with saying you were a communist and a homosexual 35 years ago.

That's why she has no feelings and no ideas.

We're letting this sport go to our heads.



http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/worldcup2014/article-2673323/Tim-Howard-makes-great-shave-San-Antonio-barber-offering-World-Cup-themed-haircuts-football-fans.html

Ann, nutty as ever.

until I started watching this world cup. A lot of notions, like 90 minutes is too long (I am used to American football- 90 minutes of that would last 5 hours). I still don't like the fact that the players will flop like they were just punched by Mike Tyson, but I have been entertained. I just finished up the Netherlands/Costa Rica match and thoroughly enjoyed it. I was pulling for the Dutch, as I used to work for a Dutch company. I will watch their next match, too. I must be morally decaying.

For me, nothing beats playing the game, but as I'm pushing 50, my options are becoming more limited. So, I try to get out to watch the New York Red Bulls at their stadium whenever I can. The talent level of MLS doesn't quite match that of the European powerhouse leagues, but the overall experience makes it worth it.

As for watching it on TV, the beauty of the game is that you watch for 45 minutes, go to the bathroom, watch another 45, and you're done. This leaves ample time on weekends for yardwork ... unless another game is on.

I also agree with you that something needs to be done about all the diving and injury simulation.