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by MartinKilcoyne from St.Louis

Last Post 49 days, 17 hours Ago


Getting My Euro On
Apr 3, 2007 | 8:49 PM
Category: Sports
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Just returned from a trip to the Motherland.  No, not Steak and Shake.   I was in Ireland.   Thanks for all your concerns, by the way.   Gone 2 1/2 weeks and one email asking where I was.   Woe is me.    Anyway, Ireland, what an awesome place.  Imagine dealing with people behind a counter who are actually polite.   The entire U.S. could learn a little something about customer service from the folks in Ireland.   A land of narrow roads, but open minds.   A land where pubs don't stay open late, so everyone starts "sipping" early.

But here's my question for you sports folks.  Why is soccer so much cooler overseas?  There were a couple of big matches on TV while I was there and I gravitated to the screen.  Maybe it was a Guiness-induced haze.  But I don't think so.    The fans, the chanting, it kind of sucks you in.   I love the energy.   But in the U.S. I have little or no interest in the sport.   Why is that?   We'll take your calls.   Phone lines are open.

top of the blog to you'

Martin

 

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Member Comments Total Comments: 12
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bassoonist22 read my blog view my photos
Apr 3, 2007 | 10:24 PM

Sorry, Martin. I think the soccer players are absolute wimps. They fake injuries so often (and while I do understand why) it is ridiculous. If I wanted to watch that much drama in sports, I can watch the fake wrestling on PPV.
MIKE-FROM-IL read my blog view my photos
Apr 4, 2007 | 2:41 PM

Mostly because it's taught and played there from a young age.Its there national pastime,Like baseball is here..When I was a kid
that sport was taught in gym class that was in the 60s. Now it's starting to pickup here. I don't think it will ever be part of the big 4 but you never know..
AngelaHutti read my blog view my photos
Apr 4, 2007 | 4:42 PM

As a former soccer player, I often get sucked into soccer match on TV, especially the Latin American teams. You're right, it has such an energy to it in other countries. Who knows...maybe David Beckham will stir some of that energy up here in the U.S.
Cuteypops read my blog view my photos
Apr 4, 2007 | 6:05 PM

Darn Martin I thought you went to Steak n Shake. Sorry I didn't email you, but going to Steak n Shake never took that long. I figured you hooked up with the waitress. Oh well my bad.
Soccer is not exciting to me. It kind of reminds me of field hockey. Once you run up and down the field a couple of times, it's time for a nap. Baseball is our sport and since they call Soccer football over there, we already have that.
C-roysScene read my blog view my photos
Apr 4, 2007 | 8:04 PM

I have to admit I watch soccer and just about every weekend at that. It is different "over there" (although in Ireland a Hurling match is the best to watch)...its not so much the play as the atmosphere, you can even feel it through the tube. I think its the anticipation of the goal and when they get it those places absolutely erupt and yes you can kind of feel it in your living room an ocean-expanse away. They need to alter the rules to allow more scoring and decrease the stadiums they play in the US and I think it would grow in appeal here...give it the look and feel of the English Premier League, La Liga or the Bundesliga and it may just catch on. Although Marty I'm sure the Guinness had some effect the atmosphere was likely the intoxicating part. MMMMMMMMMMMMMMMM fresh Guinness!!! That my friend is also better over there.
Scoop read my blog
Apr 4, 2007 | 9:33 PM

Great blog, boss. Keep up the solid work. I think Arsenio Hall is looking for some new "Things that make you go hmmmmmm's." You ought to hit him up.

Soccer lacks action (and before soccer elitist comes to the rescue, calm down. I know...it's all about the strategy and the footwork and the...whatever).

Soccer has no chance over here because there are just too many better alternatives. I know the World Cup brings a spike to the popularity of the game in America, but there's a good reason for that.

People get enthused about the World Cup for the same reason they like the Olympics...they're both rare and they both call on national loyalties. Plain and simple.

So, Marty, your answer is simple...it's the booze.
Redbird read my blog view my photos
Apr 7, 2007 | 10:40 PM

Nice question and an interesting premise. This is the kind of keen sports insight that will serve you well. I am impressed.
Now to the question: Blog Boy has it right. I think we have many more options that soccer. The game that ends with a nil - nil (0-0) tie has a hard time competing with a 42-37 NFL shootout. But in the end it is the booze.
royallrich read my blog
Apr 8, 2007 | 11:45 PM

I think soccer is so popular because it's universal. When so many countries have teams then it almost becomes, "our country vs. your country". It is part of the world's identity. The U.S. has the most diverse ethnicity in the world, so tastes are naturally going to be different. The soccer fsns identify with their teams in Europe. When the team loses, they lose. The only thing that I have seen that even comes close to this amount of passion is the type that St. Louisians have for baseball.
royallrich read my blog
Apr 8, 2007 | 11:46 PM

Sorry, I forgot football in Texas. (the American kind.)
powerfit111 read my blog view my photos
Apr 11, 2007 | 11:56 AM

Nice to see a new entry in your blog martin! I aress with other posters about the more appealing sports options out there for kids. When they are young, soccer is probably the easiest to play. Once they are able to catch, hit, dribble or tackle many kids will move on to more popular sports like baseball, football or basketball. On a side note, you need to get on the radio again!! The TV restrains that quick wit of yours!!
MartinKilcoyne read my blog
Apr 11, 2007 | 7:50 PM

Powerfit111,

I always wanted to address somebody by that name. I'm working on becoming a blog-head just like Pelikan. Excuse me, Blog Boy.
Thanks for the radio shout-out. As they say on the dial, stay tuned.
powerfit111 read my blog view my photos
Apr 13, 2007 | 8:49 PM

Ah, a teaser...nice! Let's hope you blog more than you myspace :-)
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MartinKilcoyne

When I'm not anchoring sports, or heading to Rams Park, or imitating Tony LaRussa, I can be found blogging. This is a whole new world for me. I previously thought a blogger was a bloated jogger.

Member Since: 9/13/2006


 

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