Major soccer star pulls a Spears/Lohan move - 9.24.2007.1.

There hasn’t been a lot of talk about soccer (futbol) in the United States since the initial appearance of Mr. David Beckham at the L.A. Galaxy early this summer. His lackluster performance was covered widely, bringing in huge numbers. But that was then, and little is to be found about how he is doing now.

Not that America’s interest in Soccer can be called meaningful. I mean, really, have you seen the ads for women’s soccer? The only reason the league even exists is because the men’s team can’t win. I mean the Ivory Coast outscored us in 2006 at the World Cup. Of course, all the women play better than me, and many others, but the U.S. leagues are still a joke.

But I didn’t intend to beat up on Women’s soccer. Nor soccer in general, though it needs a kick in the pants to get jump started. Beckham has yet to live up to expectations so far, and while there is more attention on the MLS, a lot is left to be desired.

Yet elsewhere in the world things aren’t going as well as would be expected either. One of the best players in the world seems to be traveling down a path Maradona and many others have gone. If this happens it would be a horrible shame.

I’m speaking of Ronaldinho. Watching him play, when he is on his game, is a site to be seen. The kid is good, top of the world good. And now it seems that’s all going to waste.

Reports from Spain are mentioning that Ronaldinho has taken a page from Britney Spears and Lindsey Lohan. Recent, and repeated, sightings in nightclubs prior to matches seem to match his lackluster performances this year. The situation is extreme enough that the club president and manager have both made public statements about his need for help.

This is a huge fall from being named Footballer of the Year in 2005. What’s next? Shaving his head and falling over drunk on the sidelines? I pray not. Hopefully someone will help him, and not like the half-hearted rehab some celebrities engage in. But only time will tell. We shall see.

Because I want to see more ads like this

David Beckham's first game at L.A. Galaxy vs. Chelsea - 7.22.2007.1

So we finally got to see Mr. David Beckham play. Sort of. After a lot of hype, the likes of which virtually no performance could have lived up to, the actual exhibition game with Chelsea was a let down.


Given that this was an exhibition, so neither team was pushing hard. Still The L.A. Galaxy looked bad. Chelsea was being quite nice during the first half. Not too physical and playing rather loose. The Galaxy had a decent chance to score a couple of times especially the header attempt in the 38th minute. Yet there was nothing impressive overall. And Mr. Beckham just sat on the bench, watching.

The first half was so uneventful that there were 3 interviews with celebrities in attendance at the game. Ms. Jennifer Love Hewitt was just filler, and had nothing really to say other than she was there to see Mr. Beckham and had never been to a game before. Governor Schwarzenegger on the other hand gave a nice plug to the sport, recounting his childhood playing the game (no mention of what position), and the fact that the entire world plays this sport intently, and his children are involved as well. But perhaps the biggest boost for future Galaxy fans is Mr. Drew Carey. Mr. Carey is a major fan, and was paying more attention to the game than the interview. He was also sitting back with the rest of the fans, not in a special box like the other interviewees. As he spoke you got his passion for the game.

Throughout the one thing was very clear. ESPN still does not know how to present a soccer (futbol) match. The American announcers were flat and about as invigorating as tap water. References to other sports just don’t work in trying to describe the game. Basketball terminology has about as much relevance as wet noodles on a pizza.

With the second half we got a bit more excitement. The quick goal by Chelsea told you that the pace was going to be decidedly different. In discussing the second half with a couple of people at a local bar I mentioned my thoughts about the probable score. 3-1 win for Chelsea. The start seemed right in line with that thought. Especially when one of the driving forces on the Galaxy, Mr. Cobi Jones came out in the 56th minute. Once he was off the field, the Galaxy just got sloppy and sluggish. It was a real surprise that Chelsea didn’t score more, not that they didn’t get chances.

A great example of the sloppy play was when Pavon collided with another Galaxy player. Pavon was challenging his own teammate, for no reason. All he needed to do was wait for the ball. It looked like high school players on the pitch.

Up until Mr. Beckham entered the game, after a 7 minute warm-up (which ESPN just had to watch instead of the play on the field) and a jog around the stadium, the Galaxy looked bad. And it was interesting that of the many, many shots of number 23 on the bench none showed him speaking to a single teammate. Even when Cobi Jones came out of the game and sat right next to number 23, not a word was said. Not even a glance at his teammate. Seemed quite rude. Perhaps this means there is a little tension in the air. Maybe it’s because the Galaxy season was altered for their new star player, or that so much attention was being placed just on him and not the team. Who knows, but I’m sure if it doesn’t change the story will be out fast. At the latest, any bad blood may be revealed after Kobe retires at the end of this season.

But Mr. Beckham finally got into the game with about 13 minutes to play. Considering that the score was still 1-0 it might have been enough to tie the game, if he was up to speed and match ready. But we all know his left ankle was not tip-top. And he played with minor interest.

Yet the Galaxy responded quickly once he was on the field. They got aggressive and started to do something. Xavier, who seemed to be involved in several critical plays, lit up. The game got a bit more lively and the crescendo was about the 91st minute when Beckham decided to actually play the ball and got a tough tackle, Chelsea reminding him who was in charge of this game.

So overall how do I rate Mr. Beckham’s first U.S. appearance? Lackluster at best. He’s a far better player than what we’ve seen. Injury aside, he could have done more. He should have been in the game far sooner. The 18 minutes he played were mostly ineffective, but the fire he gave the team was needed back in the 58th minute.

Will the Galaxy be a better team with Mr. Beckham? Almost definitely. Will soccer in America get a boost, absolutely. The Galaxy stadium was sold-out. ESPN made a point of broadcasting a Saturday night exhibition game. The attention is noticed. Now we just need performance.

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?

Beckham arrives, Team USA wins! - 1.11.2007.2

Finally some significant news for American soccer fans. For decades there has been a desire and rumor of international players coming to play in the U.S. leagues. Other than Pele there has really been no significant player for the U.S. Now things have changed.

I’m sure the performance by the U.S. teams in several of the last World Cups has helped us to finally get some respect from the rest of the world. Some would say that it’s just about money, that we have never offered enough to draw a major player. I disagree. There is more than enough money for any sport we want. We have been able to attract players for every sport, even those from China (Mr. Yao Ming) a communist nation that has spotty relations with America. The question is not money it’s respect.

For decades, since Pele was kind enough to help draw attention to the fledgling soccer league here in his final years in the game, the thought of American leagues has been a joke world wide. I recall the disdain that was shown when the U.S. team finally made it to the World Cup in 1994, due to the fact that we hosted the games. I think the disrespect was most evident in the fact that when Columbian player Andres Escobar scored a home goal that cause a U.S. win and the elimination of the Columbian team, he was killed when he returned home. I think that his causing such an inferior team to win was the cause of his death. That same disrespect has been the reason why no major player has considered joining the U.S. leagues. It would be like Michael Jordan, at the height of his career, deciding to leave the Bulls and going to play for the South Korean basketball league [I’m not sure they have one, but you see the point].

But with our improved playing and actual qualifying for subsequent World Cups has started to change the world image. Currently I think we are just seen as bad, and not embarrassing, with some potential. Lots of talk of Ronaldo joining a team here was seen as his swan song. Equal to a model ending her career with a Playboy photo shoot. But now we have Mr. David Beckham.

Still in his solid playing days. He can elevate the whole of American soccer. He can draw fans and create new ones. Sadly he’ll draw new fans from the attempt of the media here trumping him as some type of model or for his good looks and former Spice Girl wife. Still this can lead to a real competitive league. It opens the door for international players to come to America without instantly ending their careers. Is there a chance of seeing Ronaldinho in America? Never. Not in the near future at the best. But there are many others that might consider it. And the benefit is an improved league and a real competitive national team.

Some may wonder why this is so important to me. I’m a fan of soccer, called Futbol in the rest of the world. I am a fanatic during the World Cup. Readers may recall my many posts during the entire World Cup of 2006. I love this game. Unlike the Super Bowl (which I think is fantastic) or the World Series, this is the only true international sport. It’s the only game where every country competes and many have a chance to win. To be in the World Cup is to have bragging rights. It’s a reflection of your nation and pride. It’s so important that a civil war stopped just to watch the national team play.

Considering that, and the desire by America to be the best at everything we do, I am of course desirous of a national team that can beat the world. To win this is to be the best for 4 years. It’s the real deal and I want to see America win. This is the first step in that process. The $250 million is a small price for America to get some respect, especially since I think we have the resources to excel.

So we have Mr. Beckham, maybe Ronaldo in the near future. Who’s next? And once they are here, watch out. I think the Golden Ball, Golden Shoe and the Cup itself are coming with our grasp. Go Team USA!

This is what I think, what do you think?