World Cup

**Kirsten** · 07-10-2006, 02:51 PM

As a host country, Germany quite clearly did a magnificent job. You are so right that guests from all over the world enjoyed the positive and friendly atmosphere, and felt comfortable.

I think South Africa has a very tough act to follow.

Yes, they say they have problems with the stadiums and security, but still have 4 years to work on it. Being the first African country that hosts the World CUp is a great chance for South Africa!

Now what am I going to do????

Brody's Mum, I'm feeling the same today. I really got used to watching football every day, and it was fun. Now something's missing.

Kirsten,
You have a wonderful country and I am happy I got a chance to visit it in January, even for a few days.

Thanks!

I think many visitors were surprised about how friendly and warmhearted people were. At least this is what I read in an article today. They also didn't expect such a sunny and warm weather! LOL

Germany should be very proud of its hosting duties and its performance in the World Cup.

Thanks! I guess we are a bit proud these days. But also a bit sad because it's over.

Kirsten

**BOBS DAD** · 07-10-2006, 03:07 PM

I must agree. Germany did a fantastic job of hosting the World Cup. Everything seemed to go quite smoothly and without any hitches. I heard lots of very positive things from those who follow soccer more closely.

But I can't end with just that - I must sound off again!!! HOW CAN SOCCER BE THE WORLD'S FAVORITE SPORT???

IT IS SOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO...
Sorry, I feel asleep with my finger on the Keyboard - BORING.

Really, the announcers are just grasping at things to talk about while nothing is happening on the field (which is most of the time). I have a theory about soccer - it is really only fun to watch when the player are really not that good. Like when little kids play. They make mistakes, forget which goal is theirs and sometimes just get "too tired" to defend or chase after the ball. A single good kid can dribble the ball the length of the field and score.

When the players start getting good, then all the fun in watching the game goes away. They are "too good". For 90 minutes, no-one can score! And they never get tired. They don't forget where they are supposed to be playing. Nobody ever "intentionally" kicks the ball into their own goal, because they forgot what they were doing.

Heck, I think I could play soccer. I mean, I could go out and run up and down the field for 90 minutes and accomplish "nothing". JMO!!!

**beeniesmom** · 07-10-2006, 03:25 PM

Originally Posted by BOBS DAD

HOW CAN SOCCER BE THE WORLD'S FAVORITE SPORT???

The world is bigger than the good ol' United States.

Just because it's not that popular in the States doesn't mean that the rest of the world can't be enthusiastic about it.

Believe it or not

Football and Basketball are not very popular in Europe. Infact, most Europeans find American Football especially boring because the game stops every few seconds. Zzzzzzzzz

I am truly blessed to have been able to visit many and LIVE in different countries and see, live and respect the cultural differences and understand them too.

**Uabassoon** · 07-10-2006, 03:33 PM

Really, the announcers are just grasping at things to talk about while nothing is happening on the field (which is most of the time). I have a theory about soccer - it is really only fun to watch when the player are really not that good.

You have to watch it on a Spanish network, even if you don't speak spanish I swear it makes the game much more interesting. My girlfriends father was over here and I made him watch one of the games on Telemundo and he loved that even though he had no clue what was being said the announcers sure were excited about everything!

Infact, most Europeans find American Football especially boring because the game stops every few seconds.

That's why I hate Amercian Football! I can't follow the game because they keep on stopping. That's why rugby is the best sport!

**Randi** · 07-10-2006, 03:45 PM

Good grief! Let's hope Zidane don't have a cat and give these kind of headbumpies!!

**Killearn Kitties** · 07-10-2006, 03:51 PM

I must admit, I thought it was hysterical this morning when I saw that Zidane had been voted best player of the tournament.

The votes were all in before last night's match, of course.

**Maya & Inka's mommy** · 07-13-2006, 04:06 AM

Originally Posted by beeniesmom

The world is bigger than the good ol' United States.

Just because it's not that popular in the States doesn't mean that the rest of the world can't be enthusiastic about it.

Sorry Bob's Dad, but I agree with that 100%!!

**Miss Z** · 07-13-2006, 10:22 AM

Originally Posted by beeniesmom

Believe it or not

Football and Basketball are not very popular in Europe. Infact, most Europeans find American Football especially boring because the game stops every few seconds. Zzzzzzzzz

Yup, you're right there. Only watched one american football match in my life and got bored after the first five minutes. It makes me laugh how they wear so much protection whereas in rugby you just have a mouthguard. No offence to anyone who likes american football of course

And I've never met any Brit who likes baseball

But you mention football and everyone's talking. Suppose it's like religion to some! I love football and find it interesting whatever happens, and I understand the offside rule!

**Kirsten** · 07-13-2006, 10:38 AM

And I've never met any Brit who likes baseball But you mention football and everyone's talking. Suppose it's like religion to some!

Same here!

It's just the most popular sport in Germany!

BTW, here are some facts and rumours in the aftermath of this world cup:

- Jürgen Klinsmann, Germany's coach, has retired yesterday. He's feeling burnt out and said his decision has nothing to do with not having won the title.

- The same day, Marcello Lippi, Italy's coach, retired, too.

- Zinedine Zidane apologized for the headbutt and said that Marco Materazzi has insulted his mom and sister very badly. Materazzi said he did not say that, but admits to have insulted Zidane.

- Read an article two days ago saying that if Materazzi has said anything racist to Zidane, the World Cup title could still be drawn from Italy. According to that article, there's a new FIFA rule that allows the officials to do so, but I don't think this will ever happen.

- Another rumor: Obviously South Africa is way behind the schedule with the World Cup preparations. At this point, they haven't even decided where to build the new stadiums. Also, there would be concerns about logistics and safety. Obviously there are plans to give the World Cup 2010 to the USA, or even Germany again, in case South Africa cannot solve these problems.

Well, we'll see...

Kirsten

**beeniesmom** · 07-13-2006, 01:55 PM

Originally Posted by Kirsten

Zinedine Zidane apologized for the headbutt and said that Marco Materazzi has insulted his mom and sister very badly. Materazzi said he did not say that, but admits to have insulted Zidane.

I don't think Materazzi said anything racist to Zidane.
I do however believe that he said something about his sister.
When they were talking and walking, Materazzi was pulling Zidane's shirt and Zidane said "After the game I'll give you a piece of this..." so I can only immagine an answer of the type, "No thanks but your sister will be busy taking care of me or something along those lines.... that would get anyones pressure up!

Well, As for SA being behind.... I hope Germany gets it again!!!

**Miss Z** · 07-13-2006, 02:47 PM

On the news, they got an Italian lip-reader to try and work out what Materazzi said. According to him, he wished 'an ugly death to Zidane's family', and just before the headbutt, he told Zidane to go f*** himself.

I think I would have been a little angry too if someone said that to me, but whether that's an excuse to do what Zidane did I really couldn't say...

**RICHARD** · 07-13-2006, 03:49 PM

Originally Posted by Miss Z

It makes me laugh how they wear so much protection whereas in rugby you just have a mouthguard. No offence to anyone who likes american football of course

THat's why they wear so much protection....

The HeadButted Player doesn't flop around like a fish out of water.

One thing I find strange about futbol is the player who is on the ground, with a face I have seen on mothers ready to give birth, who jumps up a second later and runs down the field...

In American football you are taken out of the game. Padding of not!

**beeniesmom** · 07-13-2006, 03:53 PM

Originally Posted by RICHARD

One thing I find strange about futbol is the player who is on the ground, with a face I have seen on mothers ready to give birth, who jumps up a second later and runs down the field...

I have to agree with you.... some are pretty good actors!