World Cup for Dummies

Photo Credit: photo from dailymailonline.co.uk

David Beckham (left) warms up with England teamate Steven Gerrard Oct. 6.

October 13, 2009

Lucy Ainley  

Filed under Fall Sports

      Attention all die-hard American football fanatics: the time has come for you to be educated about the sport those around the world hold dear as the real game of football. And there is no better timing than the qualifying rounds of the biggest soccer tournament in the world, also known as the World Cup. Held once every four years since its inception in 1930, this tournament has become one of the most anticipated events across the globe. Since the World Cup’s inception nearly 40 years ago, approximately 26.29 billion people have gathered to watch the matches, making the World Cup one of the most viewed television events in history. The 2006 finals alone recruited over 715 million viewers, but this summer’s games are expected to easily glide past that record.

      Similar to the Olympic Games, each World Cup is hosted by a different country. The first tournament was held in Uruguay in 1930, and in 2006 Germany played host to the crowd of millions who came to shout support for their countries. But this summer a very unexpected nation was given this honor for the 2010 Cup. Come June 11 the coastal city of Cape Town, South Africa will be home to the legendary games.

 In preparation for the mass crowds that will be flocking to the city, Cape Town recently tore down its old soccer complex and replaced it with the flashy Green Point Stadium. Green Point holds up to 70,000 fans and was built right by the ocean, with the beautiful Table Mountain in the backdrop. The stadium was completed in December of 2007, not long after the announcement was made that South Africa would be the next host.

So, how does this huge tournament work? Well, perhaps the term “World” Cup can be a bit deceiving. Every country on the planet will not simply fly down to South Africa and wait around for their turn on the pitch. Each team that participates in the actual tournament has to qualify. The year after the final match is played is when the qualifying matches for the next tournament begin. For example, the 2006 finals between France and Italy took place on July 9; the qualifying rounds began September 2007.

Qualification matches are intended to select the top teams from every continent (with the exception of the Americas, which are split into two regions). For each continent there are a certain number of slots available, which will be given to the top countries. The North, Central Americas and Caribbean region has a total of three slots, which 35 countries have been competing for. This means that only three teams from each region will be going to South Africa. So far the United States, Mexico, and Costa Rica are the favorites to win these three positions.

Soccer is not amongst the popular sports in America. Yet the national team, who proudly bare the stars and stripes across their jerseys, is brimming with coaching and player talent alike. Team USA’s manager, Bob Bradely, has been a Major League Soccer and college level coach since 1981. His experience ranges from leading his alma mater, Princeton University, to two first place titles in the Ivy League to coaching Major League teams like the Chicago Fire, the Metrostars, and the Chivas. In 1998 he was named Major League Coach of the Year.  In 2006 he was promoted to coach of the national team, which makes this summer’s tournament his first World Cup. So far he has brought the USA to the top of the regional pool with five wins, two ties, and only one loss.

On top of an exceptional coaching staff, the U.S. team also boasts a highly talented roster. Among the most notable is Landon Donovan, who sports the prestigious captain band on his arm. Donovan made his debut in the Major League on the San Jose Earthquakes. San Jose’s local hero led the Earthquakes to two MLS Cup Championships, scoring a total of 32 goals and assisting 29 others in the four years he spent with the team. He will be one of the starting forward in the USA’s next match against Trinidad and Tobago.

So, what about all the other teams out there besides the USA? For those who are keen followers of the famed England national captain-turned-Armani underwear model, it’s safe to exhale. David Beckham will, after much speculation, return to defend his homeland, the “Birthplace of Football”. Though many know the name from the Blockbuster hit Bend it Like Beckham, his real claim to fame was his position as starting midfielder for Manchester United, the top-ranked team in the English Premiere League. Beckham recently moved to the MLS team The Galaxy, but has been recruited once again to play for England. So there is no reason to panic: teenage girls, you will still get a glimpse of those sculpted underwear model abs on national television.

All seems well for the English team, who has secured their slot in the South African World Cup. But such security is not the case for other teams, some of which might come as a surprise. The 1996 champions, Argentina, are struggling to claim their position in the South American region. After losses to Paraguay and Brazil, things are not looking up. Diego Maradona, arguably one of the best soccer players of all time, recently assumed the position of manager for the Argentinean team. Despite his fame for ball skills, he has not led the team to a decisive position at the top of the ranks as many had hoped. Should Argentina indeed fall short, it will be welcome news to Brazil, who is among the favorites to claim the world title this summer.

So wake up America and join in the excitement that is steadily building each and every day all across the world. This will be your last chance for the next four years to witness some of the finest athletes in the world compete for the sought-after gold cup of champions. If the other countries could boast a roster as talented as that of the U.S., they would be itching for the chance to cheer on their team come June 11. So, once you all have your pompoms and noisemakers at the ready, how else can you prepare to cheer on your country? Order ESPN2!

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