The World Cup starts in 17 days (June 9th), although the USA team’s first game is on June 12th. I’ve seen US Soccer commercials during the Family Guy lately, and hear that other non-sports shows have seen some commercials. ESPN/ABC are showing all games live, in HDTV, etc. ESPN has a contract to show MLS (and pay money for it) next season, so they have a long and short term vested interest.
For Americans: Is this event even on your radar? Will you watch any of the matches? Will you do so at home, or maybe in a sports bar if they happen to be on? What if it’s the USA playing (June 12, 17 and 22 for sure)? Will you tune in to root for the Red, White and Blue? What if they advance to the later stages? Would it take them making the Final (July 9?) for you to watch? Will hype on ESPN or ABC influence you?
Did you even know this was happening? Would you rather watch WWE or NASCAR? Or do an unmedicated root canal on yourself?
Given a choice, I’ll take NASCAR, then the root canal.
Soccer is so far under my radar it might as well be hockey. There is but One True Sport, and that is Baseball.
My best friend and I are stoked. I’m even taking the 12th off work so I can watch the US opener. Our group is a nightmare, so I’m not banking on us advancing, but I’m still really excited.
I’m certainly aware of it, and plenty of coverage is available in the papers and on TV for people who are interested. It doesn’t generate a lot of water-cooler buzz in the office, and never does, unless you work with a lot of people who grew up in foreign countries. (One time I did, and the World Cup was the biggest thing ever, so I kind of got into it that year too.)
My attitude toward sports is, any sport can be interesting if you understand the strategy and the strenghts and weaknesses of the players and teams. I can’t invest that kind of time in soccer right now, so I won’t be watching much of it.
But for those who can, go for it. I hope someone like Angola or Paraguay wins, just to bring joy to countries that don’t get very much of it.
A friend of ours is a reporter for a German language newspaper based in Michigan.
He knows and follows all of this. So does my husband.
Personally, I like the crowds (chanting and outfits), but the game itself is dull.
I’m interested, but not to orgasm. I’m actually a little concerned about the state of American hooliganism, and I worry that we don’t have what it takes to match up against the English or the Dutch. That tends to sap my interest a little.
I can’t wait. I love soccer, but I can’t stand watching the trash that is MLS. I wish they would have at least something like the Euro game of the week on.
Canadoper here, is that close enough to satisfy the OP?
Yes I am aware of the World Cup. I wouldn’t say I am excited, but I will watch a game here and there, probably at home as a method to avoid work. I generally cheer for the Netherlands (as I approve of the progressive dutch society + the nifty orange shirts) and whatever African Nation makes the run this year.
Can’t Wait. Very excited. I never played myself but my son has played for nearly 6 years now in a very competative league all over Mass. My wife & I really enjoy his games.
We will be having a party for the USA\Italy game as it is on a Saturday afternoon. Being of Italian descent makes the game even better for me. I was extremely dissapointed that Ireland did not qualify as that is the other half of my ethnic roots.
We have had parties before for Patriots & Red Sox games & never had a problem with people wanting to attend. This is a bit different. The interest from people we know that haven’t either played or have children playing is non-existant.
This is the most hype I’ve ever seen for a World Cup in the US. Relatively speaking, there’s been a lot of promotion for it. Nike has been running spots, ESPN has been pumping it up a little.
Yes, I knew it was coming. Yes, I’ve been inundated with Nike and Gatorade commercials in addition to ESPN/ABC promos. No, I will not be watching, as a matter of fact I’ll be actively not caring and alternatively loathing it when it preempts something I wanted to watch.
I want the USA to win out of sheer spite.
There is nothing on this planet more boring than a Soccer match, this from a guy who likes baseball mind you, and the sight of whiny little bastards flopping and rolling around to draw fouls insults everything I believe in when it comes to sports.
Of the choices you offer, I’ll take the root canal over NASCAR, WWE and FIFA…in that order.
I didn’t know the date, but I’m sure I would have found out by day one. I don’t follow the sport itself, but I usually end up watching a healthy chunk of the World Cup. The games themselves are exciting, and I like the intensity of the fans.
My FIL loves soccer, he was a socer coach in China before he retired. I have a printed schedule on the cork board for him. I’ll probably watch a few matches myself.
I don’t follow the sport itself, but I usually end up watching a healthy chunk of the World Cup. The games themselves are exciting, and I like the intensity of the fans.