America's Disconnect With The Beautiful Game
AMERICANS LOVE SPORTS, BUT WITHOUT THE PASSION
When Americans eschew the popularity of soccer in our country they point to the unbelievably miniscule television ratings and that the game is only played by 10-year-olds and effectively dropped by high school.
This transcript of the radio call of Diego Maradona's imfamous "Hand of God" goal in 1986, posted at the New York Times' World Cup blog, illustrates one reason why there has always been a disconnect between soccer and the American public.
This game is placed in many peoples heart as close to their faith in God than anything in America including sports. Americans do not praise God in this manner when their team's reach the ultimate glory.
When Bill Mazeroski famously won the 1960 World Series with a walk-off homerun, the announcing crew in Pittsburgh did not elevate him to the right hand of God as this Argentine announcer did with Maradona. When Barry Bonds passed Babe Ruth on the all-time homer list yesterday, the Giants' television announcer did not thank God for the presence of Bonds in their midst (maybe Lucifer, but that's another posting).
As a country, we have no inkling of how important these World Cup games can be. It's the glory of competition, national pride and religious faith contained on a finely manicured pitch with 22 men with the hearts and minds of millions.
When Americans eschew the popularity of soccer in our country they point to the unbelievably miniscule television ratings and that the game is only played by 10-year-olds and effectively dropped by high school.
This transcript of the radio call of Diego Maradona's imfamous "Hand of God" goal in 1986, posted at the New York Times' World Cup blog, illustrates one reason why there has always been a disconnect between soccer and the American public.
…passes the ball to Diego, now Maradona with the ball, two people on him,
Maradona touches the ball, the genius of soccer heads to the right, and
leaves the third and passes to Burruchaga…
Always Maradona! Genius! Genius! Genius! ta-ta-ta-ta-ta-ta…
GOAL!! GOAL!!!
I am going to cry! Oh, my God! How beautiful soccer is! What a goal! Diego! Maradona!
I am crying, forgive me please….
Maradona, with a memorable run, with the most beautiful play of all time….
cosmic podge…. which planet are you from? You let it seem so easy,
and the whole country is a closed fist, is screaming for Argentina…
Argentina 2 - England 0…
Diegoal, Diegoal, Diego Armando Maradona…
Thank God, for soccer, for Maradona, for these tears, for this
Argentina 2 - England 0…
This game is placed in many peoples heart as close to their faith in God than anything in America including sports. Americans do not praise God in this manner when their team's reach the ultimate glory.
When Bill Mazeroski famously won the 1960 World Series with a walk-off homerun, the announcing crew in Pittsburgh did not elevate him to the right hand of God as this Argentine announcer did with Maradona. When Barry Bonds passed Babe Ruth on the all-time homer list yesterday, the Giants' television announcer did not thank God for the presence of Bonds in their midst (maybe Lucifer, but that's another posting).
As a country, we have no inkling of how important these World Cup games can be. It's the glory of competition, national pride and religious faith contained on a finely manicured pitch with 22 men with the hearts and minds of millions.
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Wednesday, February 28, 2007 6:00:00 PM