Who Are You Betting for in the World Cup

From its inauguration in 1930 the World Cup has grown to become the biggest football (soccer) competitiion in the world. The chance to call your country the world champions attracts a huge audience round the globe and is one of the most watched events on the planet. Yet the World Cup itself grew from more modest beginnings. The driving force behind the competition was FIFA president Jules Rimet and the trophy awarded to the winners was named after Rimet. The first competition saw Uruguay crowned the first world champions. They beat Argentina 4-2 in the final in Montivideo, however even back then the crowd for the match was 93,000, which probably even then gave some indication of how much the futbol (soccer) supporters of the world wanted this kind of competition.

The next competition in 1934 and also in 1938 contained very few South American teams due to the difficulties and long journeys required in that era. The Second World War meant that competitive soccer was temporarily suspended, and the 1942 and 1946 competitions did not take place.

In 1950 the competition returned and was won for the second time by Uruguay. The Competition comprised sixteen teams. Not until 1982 did the competition expand to 24 teams and was then expanded again in 1998 to 32 teams. This allowed more teams from Africa, Asia and North America to take part. The 2010 tournament will see a massive 204 countries trying to qualify, up from the previous record of 198 in 2006.

Brazil holds the record of the most tournament wins, wining the Cup five times. After the third win, Brazil was allowed to keep the Jules Rimet trophy and a new trophy was introduced. Brazil; is also the only country to have appeared at all of the World Cup final competitions. The 2014 competition will be held in Brazil

Perhaps unsurprisingly, Brazil have already been installed as the favourites for the 2010 World Cup in South Africa. They are followed by Argentina, Spain - the European champions - and Italy, the current champions who have won the competition four times. England have been named fourth favourites following their recent run of form under Fabio Capello. Germany, Holland, France, Portugal, and Russia make up the remaining places in the top ten favourites for the World Cup.

Brazil are currently being quoted at 9-2 and Argentina at 5-1. European champions Spain will also expect to do well riding on the back of a wave of confidence following their Euro win. They are quoted at 15-2. Surprisingly England have been made fourth favourites at 8-1 above Italy and Germany who both hold the most winners titles after Brazil. England`s regular failure to progress much past the quarter final stage may well make them a difficult option, but their fans will be hoping that the success of British clubs in Europe can be reflected at the biggest competition in world futbol. To keep up with the best betting information, go to Free Bet Offers

Shaq the goalie? I think not.

You know, it’s really a shame to see the impression most Americans have about soccer. There is just very little understanding of the game, and that transfers into the non-competitive nature of our play in the world competition.

Yes I do realize that America has made it into the World Cup several times in a row now. And I realize that we have done better than we have in so 40 or 50 years. But we hardly are considered a challenge to the best nations in the world. In fact, the common expectation is that while we may qualify, we are just going to be out in the first rounds.

An example of what I mean comes from this video clip. It’s with Shaq and a few other players goofing around. It is comical, but it also explains why we are so bad as a nation at soccer.



The point is that soccer is not serious. That it’s something you do as a joke. That anyone can do it.

I’m not picking on Shaq. But it’s just the cavalier way in which soccer is presented to the nation that I am addressing.

We have more resources, people, and ability than almost every nation in almost every sport you can name. We can train the very best in the world on a regular basis for anything we choose. And we win against everyone in the world almost at will.

But soccer eludes us. Because we don’t care enough to try. I just don’t get it.

U.S. soccer - buying fans is a bad idea

Soccer in the U.S. is anything but a major sport. And there are hordes of reasons that I have heard for why it is not.

The game is too hard to understand – as opposed to the multitude of rules in Hockey, Basketball, Football, and BaseBall (pine tar??). Or that the scores are too low, or that the game is too slow (sprinting over a football field for 45 minutes at a clip is much slower than 10 innings of baseball right). The list of complaints goes on and on. But the honest answer is that America basically sucks at futbol (what the rest of the world calls soccer).

Still we have improved and gotten a bit of respect in recent World Cup showings. No longer are we the absolute laughing stock of soccer. Though we are definitely close to Canada in terms of world-wide respect for our abilities. And deservedly so.

But there is an effort to get that to change. With the MLS (Major League Soccer) performing slightly better than the WNBA – is that still around? – and having lasted longer than most detractors would ever have guessed it is gaining some attention. And the addition of David Beckham has done wonders for his bank accounts, while providing marginal improvements to the U.S.

Yet America needs something more. Something big to grab the attention of our incredibly fanatical sports fans. The MLS is definitely trying to figure out how to grab a slice of that pie. Fans of the caliber of say the chesseheads in Minnesota or the dog pound in Cleveland would assure success for generations.

Thus the Chicago Blackhawks decided to do what most American politicians want to do with the economy. They threw money at the fans. Not literally, but far more than figurative.

When Chicago’s right wing Mark Havlat scored a goal in the 71st minute (10 minutes into the second half), the only one of the game for Chicago, all the fans were subjected to a random competition. The prize was $1,000,000 for whomever was randomly drawn from the crowd.

The name of the winner is not known at this time. And the random drawing was sponsored by the Illinois State Lottery. Talk about having a dream. You go to the game hoping your team will win and you leave planning your next new home purchase. Tell me that won’t make a fan out of that someone.

Still I think the idea is flawed. Yes there is one family that will definitely go to every game the Blackhawks ever have at home, but that is not a fan base. Some people will show up at the next game hoping to win money as well, and a few might become fans, but that is not passion for the game motivating them.

Take the same million dollars and spend it on say having the top 5 state high school soccer teams go to 5 home games and 5 away games, all in the comfort of the VIP rooms. That will build fans. Especially if they get to take 1 parent with them. That’s getting people who are involved and dedicated a reason to get fanatical. It gives them all something to brag about.

Seem silly? Go to any small town in the mid-west and ask them about their football or baseball or basketball team. Without question they will brag about whichever team is the best for the area, and how well they did about whatever. And I bet that not one of the local games ever goes less than half full. Those are the fans U.S. soccer wants.

Soccer in the U.S. will always be marginally second-rate as long as we forget the fans. If I owned a MLS team I’d remember that big money is nice, but fans support whether you win or lose. And that is the real money. And the real success for Team USA.

World Cup Qualifier: USA vs. Cuba in Cuba

The qualifying round of the next World Cup are currently on-going. The U.S. team has started of well with a win versus Guatemala, though it was a mere 1 – 0 score.



But the next challenge to Team USA is perhaps the most steeped in the unknown.

On Saturday, the U.S. will be facing Cuba. Now in general that is not such a daunting task. History of games versus Cuba bode well for the U.S. There have been 5 wins and 1 tie in this match-up. But there is one big difference this time. The U.S. is playing in Cuba.

That one difference adds a lot of intrigue to a game that should be won by America. What are the local Cuban fans going to do when we take the field? How will the mood of the game be? Will the players be allowed to speak to each other prior to the game? Will the American players be allowed out of their hotel, or left to feel trapped inside like prisoners?

And of course there is the big issue that is beyond sports or politics, the effects of Hurricane Gustav – which hit Cuba several days before devastating New Orleans. Not to mention the impending onset of yet another hurricane possibly in the next week.

The experiences of Landon Donovan against Cuba may give us some insight

“They've always been nice and respectful when we've played them," he said. "I don't expect there to be an issue.”

And

“Yeah, we should beat Cuba in Cuba. If Trinidad beats Cuba in Cuba, we should win.”

Now is this accurate? Well only time will tell. The only other time that a U.S. soccer team has set foot on Cuban soil for a match was back in 1947 for a friendly game. The U.S. lost that match 5 – 2.

On Saturday we will get to see if history will repeat itself 51 years later, or if this match will have the chance to rise even above futbol and the World Cup and make a statement about the human spirit overcoming disasters like Hurricane Gustav. For me, if it becomes the latter then I don’t care if the game is a tie (ok honestly it wouldn’t matter if we lose either, but I want to see them win).

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]

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

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?

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?