Are you ready for some futbol?
No, not the game that takes over the lives of Americans every Sunday afternoon, the game that takes over the world once every four years, everywhere but the U.S. that is . . . until now.
Futbol - or as we call it here in America, soccer - is growing.
Like it or not, the 2006 World Cup was the most popular event in our country. ESPN/ABC covered every game of the tournament, and as a result, the ratings went through the roof. Each game saw an average audience of 3.2 million viewers, increasing the U.S. audience by 112 percent when compared to the 2002 World Cup ratings.
Americans finally gave soccer a chance in 2006. But will the interest continue to grow?
The 10,000 people that watched the final game between France and Italy at Boston's City Hall Plaza would tell you 'yes'. But even they must have their doubts when tuning into a New England Revolution game.
Major League Soccer is just not the same. There are no jam-packed stadiums, no out-of-control crowds, and the talent level in America's version of professional soccer is laughable when compared to that of the top European premier leagues.
The MLS does not give us the pleasure of watching the likes of Ronaldo, Zidane, Beckham, and Ronaldinho. In fact, it comes nowhere close.
Watching the Revolution play the Red Bulls is like hitting up your nearest rectory and cheering on grandma as she tries to out-duel the other elderly women on your street in a classic game of bingo.
No thanks.
That doesn't mean we should stop caring about the game entirely. And recent history shows that we won't. "We," speaking of the wonderful country that is the U.S.A.
The 2006 World Cup has opened the eyes of a country to a sport that hasn't really changed at all. Soccer has always been the same low-scoring affair. It has just been marketed in a more audience-related fashion as of late. Some of those examples have been shown in the television, video game, and clothing industries this year.
While ESPN/ABC was able to cover every second of the event this summer, its best marketing scheme was shown in its commercials. It was able to use Bono in an effort to grab the attention of those who may not have liked soccer, but enjoyed listening to the music of U2.
"It's a simple thing: just a ball and a goal," Bono said in a World Cup commercial to the background music of 'City of Blinding Lights.' "But once every four years, that simple thing drastically changes the world. It closes the schools; it closes the shops; it closes the city; it stops a war. A simple ball fills the passion and pride of nations. It gives people everywhere something to hope for. It gives countries respect where respect is in short supply, and achieves more than the politicians ever could. Once every four years, a ball does the impossible. And if history means anything, the world as we know it, is about to change."
I couldn't have said it better myself. In a country where baseball, basketball, and the "other" football are dominant, soccer has taken a backseat.
But today, you will find that FIFA 2006 is one of, if not the most popular video games on the market. Also, tell me what stores were selling Manchester United jerseys before the 2002 World Cup?
You're probably asking yourself: why is this being talked about now?
It's because your beloved Massachusetts men's soccer team is turning heads. The Minutemen are sporting a 6-2-2 record heading into Atlantic 10 play this weekend, and expectations are high.
Chances are you haven't been to Rudd Field to see your former No. 22 team in the nation continue its dominance. Why? Because Americans love football, not futbol.
At least, until now.
Sure, the love for the pigskin will always be prevalent in our culture. But I'm giving you fair warning. Jump on the soccer bandwagon now, before it's too late.
So are you ready for some futbol?
I hope so . . . because the soccer revolution is underway.
-Danny Picard is a Collegian Columnist
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