Introducing the history of Brazil's Golden Age

So I was running thru the web on a few of my more favored subjects when I ran across an interesting article by Zachary Ball, whom I presume is a fan of the Brazilian national futbol (soccer) team. And he has every reason, as do millions across the world, to favor this team above all others in the international arena. Having read the article I have to say that Americans should read this to get a sense of the passion and history of the game that we just can’t play.

Now most Americans are probably more familiar with a few names that are globally renowned. If I mention David Beckham some might think of the L.A. Galaxy – not realizing he is a superstar due to England and Spain performances. Others may recall Ronaldo without connection to his years for Brazil. Very few can identify (some can’t even pronounce) Ronaldinho – one of my favorites in recent years. The boy can play.

But most Americans just don’t get this beautiful game. But if the game were more stylized like the following video, they might watch a minute or so



Sadly they miss the real beauty in the game and the rich history that exists. And it’s that rich history that Mr. Ball reflects on. The fact that Brazil is the best in international soccer and that they have been for far longer than most remember. For longer than most any other nation in the world.

Instead of discussing the current greats of the game, or even focusing on just the stars, Mr. Ball goes into the history of the team and their Golden Age. Starting with the birth of international futbol and leading up to “three greatest minutes in the history of futbol” and then on to legends including Pele, Hilderaldo Bellini, Valdir Pereira, Jair Ventura Filho, Carlos Alberto up to 1970. He provides the reason why this nation has won more World Cups than any other nation, and in fact several combined.

For those that follow futbol, it’s a wonderful summary of the greatest sport on earth. To those that are unfamiliar (that means Americans) it’s a wonderful introduction and an introduction to some of the greatest names known in the world.

Let me finish with this. Mr. Ball, you did well. [article found at http://bleacherreport.com/articles/21523-The-Golden-Age-of-Brazilian-Futbol-1958-1970-050508]

How to sell German adult toys - 5.14.2007.1

Here is just a quick little something to lighten the mood of things. Considering all the righteous outrage in recent weeks I just wanted to take a moment to look at some odd bits in the news of late.

One item that caught my attention deals with the world’s most popular sport. No it’s not baseball, basketball or football (at least not American style football). I’m talking about soccer (futbol). As famous and popular as our star athletes are, I’ve never heard of a defamation/trademark lawsuit quite like this. Obviously the name of a famous athlete as an endorsement can make a brand, and that is as true for an energy drink as it is for a sex toy it seems.

Beate Ushe, a German company, definitely thought that the names of 2 futbol players would make the difference in sales. They named 2 of their sex toy products after Mr. Michael Ballack and Mr. Oliver Kahn. They even timed the launch to start prior to the latest World Cup that was played in Germany.

[Sadly my team did not win, and you can see my various thoughts about that World Cup at Both my countries won the opening World Cup matches, USA vs. Czech Rep. - What happened there?, USA vs, Italy - we were robbed by the referee, Red cards, shades of color onscreens, and inscribed original products, Reflections on World Cup 2006, Who gets the Golden Ball and get your poker on]

This did not go over well with these soccer stars. They sued to have the products removed from stores and their name usage stopped, and won their case.

One thing that was not revealed in this whole case was what the sales were like. I just wonder if use of their names really made a difference. I can’t help it, but it’s an odd curiosity to me if the name on these vibrators made a difference in their sale. I equally wonder what would sell better, an item of this nature named after Mr. Michael Jordan, Mr. Tiger Woods, wrestler HHH, wrestler the Undertaker, or international futbol stars Mr. Michael Beckham, Pele, Maradonna, or Ronaldihno. There is a competition of U.S. and international sports you just won’t see.

Like I said, it was an odd bit of news.

This is what I think, what do you think?

Planes, Ferrari's, and Soceer - 3.27.2007.1

So as there is constant news out about Mr. Eddie Griffin crashing a million+ dollar sports car, the world turns. I’m happy to mention that Mr. Griffin was unhurt in the accident, though the fact it was caught on videotape will probably hurt his ego more than anything else. The executive producer, of Redline which Mr. Eddie Griffin stars in, though is at least publicly taking it in stride since the car was an Enzo Ferrari which he owned. Of course Mr. Daniel Sadek is correct when he says, “There's people dying every day. A lot of worse things are happening in the world.” And if this accident adds any interest to those going to see the $26 million dollar film, I’m sure he will be able to afford one of the remaining 399 Ferrari’s out there. Considering its cost and stylish nature, not to mention the ability and reputation of Mr. Griffin I’m sure he will.

In other movie news there is something that I think has potential. It might even capture the attention of the few Soccer (futbol) fans out there. Discussions are ongoing for a film featuring the life of Pele. For those unfamiliar, Pele is one of the first entertainers to be known simply by one name. One of the greatest soccer stars ever, he helped create the environment that lead to the current American national soccer team. While Team USA is rough around the edges, at best, there was no real interest prior to the appearance of Pele playing here. In addition it’s said he was able to create a cease-fire in a civil war just because he was playing. Now tell me that isn’t something worthy of making a movie about. In terms of recognition and ability among athletes throughout the world, this single name ranks along with Mr. Muhammad Ali. Do I seem excited? You bet. The big question is who is in shape enough, and has enough acting talent, to play him in a movie. If any names of rappers come up, I guarantee the movie is doomed.

As a side note, I just saw Mr. Donny Osmond speaking about his new television show American Vote. I have to say the man does not look like a 50 year old grandfather. He looks like he did back in the 1970’s. Yes I’m old enough to have seen the Donny and Marie Show and remember it.

So since I mentioned rappers I should mention my deep sadness that all Britain’s must be experiencing now. The cause of this national depression emanates from the news that a tour featuring Snoop Dogg and P. Diddy (otherwise known as Calvin Broadus and Sean Combs) has been canceled. It seems that Snoop cannot get a visa to enter England. This is obviously in reaction to the ruckus that Snoop caused the last time he was there. [You can see my comments on that incident at Breaking the law entertainer-style]

Good for merry ol’ England. It’s about time someone smack a little reality and responsibility on those rappers that choose to treat laws, and people, as mere toys. Perhaps the lesson of respecting people and laws will sink in a bit. Though with Mr. Broadus this one action may not be enough. I say this because it is hardly the first time that he has been penalized for his misbehavior. Still, the funds lost from the 5 performances should have an impact on him and Mr. Combs. Perhaps Mr. Combs will be able to say something so that future trips anywhere in the world will be more civilized. Considering how motivated many rappers seem to be by money, this could be the key. Especially if other nations, and airline companies, step up and do the same thing to those that flaunt common decency. Again I say Hurrah to the Brits.

This is what I think, what do you think?

What 250 million dollars gets - 1.12.2007.1

Ok, I’m annoyed. I’ve read and heard quite a bit about Mr. David Beckham’s move to the L.A. Galaxy. Much of the news has been of a negative bent. I’ve seen many debate the cost of Mr. Beckham, or question his ability. I’ve read many sing the continued doom of the national soccer leagues and even a couple sneer at Mr. Beckham and his use of the term futbol (which is the international name of soccer). Well here are some facts.

There has been international futbol, or soccer, competitions since 1900 (summer Olympics – demonstration only initially, official after 1908). The World Cup has been played 17 times in 76 years. It has only not gone on 2x due to World War II. Current nations capable of qualifying number 207. It IS the most watched sporting event in the world with over a billion viewers. The final in 2002 captured 1/6 the entire population of the planet in 213 countries alone. The U.S. has qualified for games 7 times, with a semi-finalist showing once in 1930, that is the best we have ever done. [I should also mention an error I made previously. The USA did play in 1990, losing every game and I had forgotten it. I incorrectly mentioned in a previous post that the US had not played in a Cup since 1950 until 1994.] Considering the status of the nation and our obvious athletic abilities (as seen in our dominance of Olympics and national sports) to perform so weakly is embarrassing.

That said, I feel the naysaying and negative attitudes of some against the MLS league is sad. Some have questioned the price of acquiring Mr. Beckham. As I understand roughly $150 million of the price is due to sponsorships that are attached to Mr. Beckham no matter where he goes (he will actually be paid $10 million a year by the Galaxy and he gets a percentage of product and ticket sales). Even considering that, the price is not that unheard of. While this does place Mr. Beckham in the number 3 position of highest earning athletes in the world it is not so far out of place in comparison to the $252 million for Mr. Alex Rodriguez (which I understand, perhaps incorrectly, as being without endorsements). At $50 million Mr. Beckham is very close to Mr. Tiger Woods who makes an estimated $80 million per year. Let me compare these individuals.

Mr. Rodriguez is very good, but he is not one of the greatest players in the world. He does play for the best baseball team (debatable I’ll give you) but he does not elevate the sport in the U.S. nor the world. He does not raise the bar of competition in the sport among its players. And to compare baseball, it’s a game lasts 3-4 hours on average with about half the players sitting about half the game at any one time. While the players are in great shape, the main exertions are occasional 90ft sprints and arm strength/quickness.

Mr. Woods is the best player in the world (no debate there). He has raised the bar of competition. He has elevated the sport and drawn the youth of the world towards playing the game. Everyone involved with golf (predominantly professional) has made more money due to his performance than prior to it. In comparison of the game, overall fitness is essential though some are far from intensely fit. There is no running or extreme exertion. A match runs about 3 hours. It is an intense individual competition.

Mr. Beckham is one of the best in the world. Even at his older age, he is considered a star and better than most in his position. He does raise the bar of competition, especially in America where there is no comparable competitor. He does elevate the game, especially in America where there is little attention spent on a game we historically can’t play well at. He does bring the youth to the game, and thus elevating the potential of future players. He does open the door for other quality players to arrive and they too can help to elevate the game and quality of American competition. The game requires a little over 100 minutes of play with starters expected to play virtually the entire game (there are only 3 substitutes per game). The game requires constant sprints across up to the entire 300ft of the pitch. The player must be in extremely good condition with high stamina, strong legs and torsos.

Simply put, soccer gives more and requires more from a player than virtually any other sport. That requires discipline, which most have in abundance at the international level. What doesn’t normally happen are team fights like in baseball and basketball. You don’t see individual fights like in the WWE or hockey. There is no reliance on technology like in NASCAR. Why wouldn’t we want to promote or see the growth of futbol in America?

So in respectful disagreement with Mr. Josh Peter and others that question the price and worth of Mr. Beckham, I say that it is easily worth it. Just in the same way Pele was worth it to re-create a foundation that Team USA was built upon, I think Mr. Beckham will cause future growth. Respectfully to Mr. Dan Wetzel and others that think a more WWE approach is needed to gain an audience I disagree. I don’t think that wonton violence (which is implied in wrestling today) as seen in the MLB and NBA (team and individual fights or those with fans – each of which is a new trend that seems to be growing) is the reason for fans to view a game. I think than many of the youth will be interested, just as Pele motivated Team USA players, and their parents, (I think) that wound up returning America to World Cup competition in a manner never before seen.

Rather than sing doom, wait and see. There is more than enough room for another game in this nation. The WNBA proved that, regardless of its performance. Mr. Woods proved it in golf (that did not have the appeal it now has with him). Maybe, just maybe futbol, or soccer if you prefer, will have the same effect with Mr. Beckham.

This is what I think, what do you think?