by Polo Maldonado-Martinez

Created on: June 18, 2010   Last Updated: July 01, 2010

Americans could be probably the best team in the world if some interest were raised above the occasional. But there are certain cultural factors that impede such feat. I will analyze one by one.

The Soccer World Cup is a way to peace all around the world. This is fact, not fiction.

However, a warlike mentality, made up by having waged so many wars, have made many Americans unable to see the art in using the feet to kick the ball, not to kick the player.

The general consensus is that "soccer" is not "American". However, right now, basketball has less spectators than soccer! But not for the main media in the US.

Also we have to consider that soccer is being taught in many primary and high schools in the US. However, there still exists apparently an enormous cultural gap on how to see it.

To start with, the press did not crucify the US team as for example the French or the Italian media. Frankly, the American press did not care.

Such pressure, the media frankly attacking in headlines when a team loses is a good spur to attaining the excellence in the game. 

The cultural gap is shown clearly in this: for a Mexican, Irish, Italian, German, Brazilian, “soccer” is an art, it is an art with the feet; no hands, no shoulders, just the feet, and sometimes the head. Seeing Pele pick up the ball over his rival head and score; watching Maradona run and dribble 7 or 8 rivals and score, is poetry. It requires an incredible ability.

I can compare “soccer” players to Michael Jackson, Fred Astair or Gene Kelly’s dance techniques. They follow a very specific rhythm; move the ball at certain speeds; play with their feet, and with a ball. And the “soccer” ball is a ball, not like the American “football” “ball” which is not really a “football”, but an ovoid.

American football is not football, but a type of hand-ball with some kicks.

I like for example the Super Bowl, and like and understand “American Football” which has its pauses to sell beer on TV. The type of ads is also a factor, for American corporations cannot understand how to sell by using the multiple spaces that “soccer” gives. They want “breaks” which in a sport, which has no times-out; would be ridiculous.

I do not regard American football as “football”, for me such a denomination is ridiculous.

We, the “soccer” fans, have the appreciation of “soccer”

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