In case you haven’t noticed, soccer is hosting their quadrennial beer garden party with soccer matches included in the price of admission. And it’s really a pretty big deal, unless you’re an American.
This year’s host of the FIFA World Cup is Russia . . because of fucking course they are. And contrary to popular belief, the Trump administration did not reward the games to the country formerly known as the USSR for helping out in the 2016 general election. Nope, Russia won the rights to host the Cup games the old fashioned way . . they bribed enough peeps.
For those of you who ain’t down with soccer, the World Cup includes 32 teams who will compete in a month long tournament for bragging rights to the entire world. So even if your country really sucks in every other way, no worries . . winning the World Cup will make up for it. Yay sports!
And so far so awesome as England survived a scare from Tunisia to win their opening match . . Brazil made history by not winning their opening match (they tied) for the first time ever . . and Cup favorite Germany lost their opener to Mexico; immediately after which, German Chancellor Angela Merkel called President Trump and offered to help pay for the wall.
In honor of the beautiful game, I’ve come up with 18 reasons why the World Cup is the greatest show on earth. And yes, I chose the number eighteen because of the year. And yes, I really am that simple.
1. The word ‘Nil’ will become a thing- At least for the next month . . .
2. No stupid drinking games- Unlike other sports, soccer fans do not concern themselves with waiting to imbibe until someone scores. These stupid drinking games don’t translate to a sport where the average final score is 1-0. Turns out, this is a very good thing, because soccer fans don’t have time to wait when drinking copious amounts of alcohol before, during and after the game is so much more fun!
3. No LeBron talk- Lebron isn’t going to be taking his talents to the US soccer team this summer. You know why? Because the US soccer team, inexplicably, didn’t qualify for World Cup play! As an American soccer fan, I’m miffed. As a soccer fan in general, I am perversely satisfied with this result. The women rock USA soccer, but the men’s side has been marginally successful at best and quite arrogant in spite of it. So yeah . . . go Italy! Oh wait . . shit, they didn’t qualify either?
4. No appearances by the Patriots, Cavs or Warriors.
5. Futbol stadiums feel bigger- Not sure why, since essentially they hold as many fans as American football. Maybe it’s the diversity of the chants . . maybe it’s the flags or the fan attire. And maybe it’s because a single World Cup game has more ramifications than the Super Bowl, World Series, Stanley Cup and NBA finals put together.
6. Soccer Announcers Rule- Tune in and you’ll see. They know their stuff, they give it to you straight and they don’t have inane nicknames for every player. Unlike too many announcers here at home, soccer voices report the actual game. How novel . . .
7. Brazil is in it- They are the kings of the sport, and it’s always better when the best team- at least historically- makes the scene. Add to this the fact that those Brazilian chicas in the stands are pleasant to the eyes.
8. We ain’t talking about Trump. Or player protests. Or Trump. Or fan protests. Or Trump.
9. ESPN can’t fuck it up- Oh . . they will try. But it’s not happening.
10. It’s easy to keep score- This isn’t a cheap shot, it’s a great selling point.
11. Every score and every scoring opportunity matters- Which is why number 10 is such a great selling point. Because after watching the Cavs and Dubs hoist hundreds of three point shots, it’s nice to settle in with a game where one goal is bigger than all those three pointers.
12. Commercials . . . what commercials?
13. Forget fan bases, three countries have caught World Cup fever- Peru and Egypt are making their first World Cup appearances in a long time while Panama is taking the stage for the first time ever. Those three countries alone will have more than one hundred and twenty five million fans tuning in. Which is why soccer is the world’s game.
In honor of the 2026 World Cup which will be hosted by Mexico, Canada and the United States, Quebec-ish resident Dale Rogerson of A Dalectable Life has decided to forego her two cents and add a loonie. Little does she know Imma pay her in American beer.
Another reason: Best actors EVER! An almost hit, a roll, a cry in agony, convulsions and here come the medics! Followed by a hop, skip and a jump, if not a swagger back to the game. Oh I know there are some real injuries that happen… you can tell it’s real because they barely move… 😉
14. Goalkeepers- The coolest position in all of sports also happens to be the most stressful. Think about it, one missed save or one made save could be the difference between being champ or chump. And yet, they have the most beautiful hair! It’s not fair . . .
15. Legit World Champions- When the Eagles call themselves ‘World Champions’, they mean American champions. Their soccer counterparts can say World Champions and really mean it.
16. The trophy is a work of art- I would argue the Stanley Cup wins most outstanding trophy ever made, but the World Cup trophy is no joke. It looks like a sculpture you’d find in an art museum. A piece created by some obscure nineteenth century artist who was blind and dying of syphilis. But hey . . it’s still a work of art!
17. It’s unique- The Olympics- summer and winter- alternate every two years. No sporting event makes us wait this long, and yet . . is always worth it.
18. No fucking piece of shit expansion clubs- The way it should be!
Bonus Reason: When a soccer match ‘ends’ . . it really doesn’t end. I’m not speaking David Lynch here, it’s true. It’s called ‘Stoppage Time’ and it adds time to the clock at the end of regulation for the non-soccer related business that happens during the course of a game (Injuries, substitutions, playing with your balls). A handful of minutes are added to the clock to make up for that lost time. Which makes soccer the only sport that has a clock it can literally put on snooze.
Even us Americans can appreciate that kind of genius.
B,
Perfect choice of video…
You forgot a reason: Best actors EVER! An almost hit, a roll, a cry in agony, convulsions and here come the medics! (No worries this break in the game will be added on, as you’ve mentioned.) Followed by a hop, skip and a jump, if not a swagger back to the game. Oh I know there are some real injuries that happen… you can tell it’s real because they barely move… 😉
Remind me to tell you about my Chilean neighbours one summer… you want rabid fans?
Peace and the real sport that should be called football…(well is, everywhere EXCEPT for the ‘Muricans and us Canucks)
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Q,
Firstly, the 80’s . . . remember?
Secondly, you’ve been added to this post. I’m sneaky like that. Scroll down and you will find yourself smack dab in the middle of a Sorryless post.
And those Chilean neighbors simply want to be heard back home is all . . .
Futbol is the way I spell it, unless I’m looking to piss off an American football fan. Which really isn’t as difficult as it sounds.
Peace, beers and GOOOAAALLLL!!!
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B,
80’s… the best… I’ll never forget!
I see that, you sneaky bugger! If you had heard their scream… I swear, I feared someone was being murdered… decided to turn on the TV and yep… Chile scored against Japan, evening the score just before half-time…
Of course, Futbol!
Oh… and of course I forego my two cents – we banished the useless penny years ago…
Peace, beers, SCREEEEEECH
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The BEST music. Me and Big Papi were talking about it the other night and we agreed as well. Soooo. it’s official . . 80s wins!
I am a sneaky something. But really, just doing my due diligence. It was a last minute deadline kinda thing.
Personally, I don’t think the sport is worth it if the fans AIN’T letting out blood curdling screams. I mean, why invest your time otherwise?
We keep the penny around because of those peeps who like to leave angry, insulting tips with a novela of reasons why they tipped so poorly written on the bill.
Peace and futbol . . . and thinking you ain’t down with the method payment . . .
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Were ya now? Then it’s a consensus…
You are a sneaky something, that’s for sure…
Truth. If you can;t get enthusiastic about your team, why bother?
Won’t lie… we might have used the penny for that very reason once…
Peace and fubol… and unless you are thinking of an imported kind rather than that piss-water you guys foolishly call beer…no, I ain’t down 😉
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Q . . .
If you can’t get enthusiastic about your team, you might be a Reds fan. Umm . . don’t tell Frank.
And you’re being unfairly harsh about our beer, mayhaps? I mean . . I heard the rumors about how rude you Canadian peeps were but really!! 😉
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B…
Or a Canadiens fan – worst. fans. ever.
Well… here’s a shocker. I love drinking Coors Lite from a CAN when on the beach. Coz it’s like water with a little sumthin’
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That’s a shame that two of the all time perennials from their given sports (back in the day) are afterthoughts now. Ugha!
And Coors Lite? Yep, I’ve gone there a time or several. Because like Walmart, it’s easy and cheap and so what?
But I must disagree with your assessment . . it’s like ‘like’ water. . . it IS water.
Japan wins!
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It really is. Burns my butt that they are like that. I root for my team no matter how shitty they are doing…
I won’t diss it if it’s being offered. I am gracious. And sorry… I was trying to not offend you by adding the “like”…
Damn!
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You’re a legit fan.
As for these (American) beer companies. It always makes me giggle, yes giggle, when they send out relief water to areas that have been hit with a natural disaster. Because they take the time to bottle their bottles and cans with actual water when really . . same difference.
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I am.
And I would giggle too…
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I mean, no one would notice. Really . . .
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Haha… wait. Why? Coz I’m always giggling?
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That it’s beer.
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🍻
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Chin chin!!
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Yessiree
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There is something hilarious about the fact that I’m sipping on water as I wrote that, LOL.
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Can’t *always* be drinking beer…
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You right! I need to maintain my girlish figure after all . . .;)
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Well… that’s a matter of choice and opinion….
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But yanno . . . getting back to eating breakfast is gonna work plenty fine for me. 🙂
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No doubt. You seem to be a determined fella
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Coffee and water for breakfast was getting a tad bit old . . .
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And… boring…
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Hells, a waffle is going to feel like New Years Eve!
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I, myself, make a mean waffle… all sorts of flavoUrs, too…
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I make a chocolate chip/walnut waffle with sliced bananas on top. Or I just have Eggo’s . . . usually I just have Eggo’s . . . lol
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Uh huh… my kids try to convince me to buy Eggos. Not gonna happen.
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The blueberry waffles . . . muy good.
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I make pumpkin… and various others, depending on what I have kicking around. Probably 90% of the time it’s banana….😎
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Bananas and walnuts are also my favorite pancake combo.
Pumpkin waffles . . mmmmm.
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Yessiree…
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#3 — YES!!!!
I could go on. I have a response to almost every item on your list. All I know is that I’m fascinated watching the games. It doesn’t matter if Tunisia is playing Chile or Korea is playing Serbia, each game is its own mini-drama. And where else can Tunisia play Chile and Korea play Serbia?
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King,
I had to go back and check what number three was, lol. And yes indeed! No “Decision III . . . And the US club pisses me off, the men’s side. I mean, I am NOT asking that they win a World Cup, but it seems as if the pub they get is way overboard when considering the lack of actual results. I remember when they won a couple games and made the quarters in Korea, everyone announced their arrival on the world stage.
We’re still waiting.
Oh well, we qualify automatically in ’26 since we’re joint hosts!
And absolutely!!!! It is SUCH a mini-drama in every single game! And the countries that face off against each other . . . beautiful.
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I didn’t follow soccer until my kids started playing it (they were both goalies, by the way) about 15 years ago. And it’s one of the few sports where I really don’t have a team. Sure, I’ll root for the U.S. if they’re in the thing, but to me, the World Cup is just as good, if not better, without them in there. Nothing is worse than having American announcers try to gin up excitement about the U.S. team when you know that there’s no real chance for them. I can watch now without every other reference being to the U.S.
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This is so true! It’s a World Cup for God’s sakes . . cover the World and get to it! I agree with that. I don’t have a team either, since Italy and Ireland aren’t in it, lol.
Goalkeepers rock!
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I’m 3/4 Swiss so I have a bit of a rooting interest for Switzerland, but not really. It’s just fun watching the drama.
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It is! There are few sports where the rooting interest can be this diverse. Most sports you have your team and that’s it. Peeps tune in regardless of what happens with their club in the Cup.
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All good reasons to become a fan. Um. Not this year, thankyouverymuch. Great post, Marc.
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Hahahaha!
I’ll keep you abreast of the latest results from Russia, John.
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Hope so. Just think in 2029 (I think) the mayhem will be right here in North America.
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2026. Tom Brady will be a striker for team USA, the halftime shows will last a week and President Kanye West will be attending. Because we are all about subtlety here in the states . . .
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Ha haha. Team USA owned by Donald Trump.
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I think the story leading up to this World Cup were the teams who didn’t make it.
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Hard to know.
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It’s been a solid World Cup thus far. Lots of nil, which is what makes the sport intriguing actually. . .
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What happens if the game ends with no score?
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The tie is broken by the World Court . . .
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World court? WTF
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Dem’s da rules . . . European football . . . . smh
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I’m not a kickball fan, so I’d rather watch two teams fishing. Then again, I do admire the athletic ability …. plus your awesome list. Cincy, after recently being awarded a MLS franchise starting next year, is going all goo-goo with hopes of getting a 2026 game (currently on the short list). Meanwhile, USA is not in … Italy is not in … that’s on 0-fer for me.
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Cincy,
Ooooooooh . . . kickball? Really? LOL.
Yes, the athletic abilities are beyond impressive. Running around for ninety minutes means you are not going to find a Refrigerator Perry in this bunch.
MLS is crazy popular, but still, it’s a niche. The hotbeds are very hot but the majority of the country just doesn’t find it to be their cup of tea. To each his and her own, that’s cool.
I was more bummed about Italy . . I’m not gonna lie.
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You can tell I’m not a fan. Cincy got a third-tier soccer team three years ago … fan support caught many by surprise. (Playing at UC’s Nippert Stadium) … and then to start in the MLS next year! … and a new soccer-only stadium on the way.
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I can indeed.
Philly had a soccer team for many years, and then the Phillies started turning things around this season . . .
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Oh yes – FC Cincy is definitely cutting in on Reds attendance. Then again, soccer could go south if they aren’t competitive in the MLS.
Reds currently pounding the Tigers. AL Central is the one division the Reds could battle for second place!
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The AL Central is fugly. And what the heck happened to the Royals? 2015 seems like a million years ago now!
And umm . . . that whole thing about Philly having a soccer team was a really bad baseball joke! LOL
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The fall of the Royals has been fast – well, damn fast. FYI: The Reds are currently 6-1 against the AL Central. They could compete for second place there! … so, does Philly have a soccer team or not?
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I’m glad KC got a title out of their run, because that was a great group of dudes, very professional. And the Mets . . not the Reds, have the worst record in the NL over the last forty five games or so.
The Philadelphia Union. They play in the MLS.
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Look at Bam and Michelle in the house!
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Figured you would appreciate that.
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Always a class act. And not for nothing, but the man can carry a tune. It’s funny how I didn’t see eye to eye with the big fella, and yet, I always respected him. Not to mention, he dug Guinness and Five Guys burgers. And did I mention he could carry a tune?
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Definitely a great humor showing this lighter side.
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Bwahahaha! Yeah, right. I can just see Angela Merkel calling the sad bloated mango but because he’s too busy jailing babies, I’m sure he missed her call. Enjoy the games and a beer or two. 🍺
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Okay . . mayhaps there was some embellishing, Tails . . .;)
I am thoroughly enjoying the games. Even had an IPA (two) whilst watching the other day. Good times . . .
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Trust me, I LOVED the embellished imagery. A nice cold beer on a summer day watching the World Cup…sounds like a right proper day in my books. The only way to make it better would be if it was a hockey game. LOL
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Or . . WORLD CUP and then HOCKEY . . .with beers. Propah!!!
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So long as there are sweaty players, goals and beer, SCORE!!!!!
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Well I’ll leave the sweaty player spectating to you , lol. Beer here!!
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An extra beer for you then.
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I will say . . That Ronaldo is a win win in that half of the audience watches him for his amazing skill set and the other half watches him because he’s beautiful lol.
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He is quite the phenom in all categories.
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Indeed . . .
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And I’ll take my extra beer! Thank you kindly . .
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🍺🍺🍺
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Love this futbol humor. Can’t even tell the World Cup is going on this month in the USA – very sad. Here are my comments about US and international fútbol: http://fakeflamenco.com/blog
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Flamenco Dancer,
Wow! I truly enjoyed your futbol post! I left a comment for you. Thank you for teaching this old dog some new tricks as per the women’s game!
Peace and girl power!
Marco
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Gracias, Marco!
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De nada!
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