While he cites a variety of annoyances — from the dreaded vuvuzela to the ridiculousness of yellow cards and the goalkeepers’ giant gloves — perhaps the most relevant to the game itself is his complaint about the prevalence of ties.
As of Wednesday, 11 of the 40 games played have ended in a draw. That’s over 27 percent, or almost one-third of all group matches played. This begs the question: if nothing changes from the beginning of the game to the end and if everybody’s even-Steven at the end — what’s the point? And how boring is that?
American fans are used to watching games with winners and losers. In the other football, the NFL, there have been a grand total of two ties in the last decade. So, it’s no wonder that soccer seems a little slow.
But nothing brings fans together like collective outrage. Thanks to poor officiating, some passion for the sport was revived when a blown call cost the U.S. squad a victory in their second game of group play.
Landon Donovan said the controversy over the bogus offsides call had the positive effect of increasing interest in the sport. And with the nation’s attention, Donovan didn’t disappoint. In Wednesday’s match, he delivered a performance that was anything but boring, scoring a late-game stunner that catapulted the U.S. team from the brink of elimination into the round of 16.
What’s the best thing about the round of 16, you say? No ties.
In other news, Red Sox manager Terry Francona reveals the secret to Dustin Pedroia’s speed, Chad Ochocinco asks single dads for some friendly advice on Father’s Day, and comedian Jerry Seinfeld gives his take on Lady Gaga’s talent.
"Doesn't anybody want to win in this sport? All these ties are about as exciting as a Jonas Brothers roundtable on sex."
–ESPN's Rick Reilly on the most annoying things about the World Cup
"I think it's global warming."
–Yankees manager Joe Girardi, in the AP, on how C.C. Sabathia shut down the Mets with four-hit ball over eight innings in his rematch with Johan Santana
"I am 46 and can beat you guys in any sport you pic."
—Jose Canseco, via Twitter, addressing critics of his athleticism following his failed attempts at a career in mixed martial arts
"Single dads happy fathers day to y'all, 1 question-how did y'all win custody because the judge told me child please when I tried."
–Bengals receiver Chad Ochocinco, via Twitter, on the difficulties of being a single dad
"Admittedly, I'm no expert on the Slovenian national team here, so if I'm not sure who was involved in a certain player, that player will ceremoniously be called 'Sasha Vujacic.'"
—Michael Hurley, on NESN.com, blogging the events of the U.S. World Cup match against Slovenia
"Goals are like ketchup, when they come, they come all at once."
–Portugal’s Cristiano Ronaldo, on goal.com, explaining why his 16-month scoring drought was nothing to be concerned about
"I was having trouble walking up stairs. That kinda worried me. But my legs are like three inches, that was probably the problem."
–Dustin Pedroia, on NESN.com, discussing his recovery from recent injury
"It was really flattering that he wanted my shirt. I'm just disappointed I haven't got his pace. Pity he's a Man[chester] United fan, though."
— England skipper Steven Gerrard, in the Telegraph, on Olympic runner Usain Bolt asking for an autographed shirt
"I thought he had too many Red Bulls. But that was great baserunning, and we needed it."
–Red Sox manager Terry Francona, on Dustin Pedroia stealing second base and then sprinting to an uncovered third base in the first inning of Sunday’s game against the Dodgers
"Tell Montero he's a freaking rookie and I can do whatever I want to. Tell him that. Put it in the papers. If he wants to do something, tell him to come to my locker and let me know."
–Detroit closer Jose Valverde, in the Arizona Republic, responding to Diamondbacks catcher Miguel Montero calling him unprofessional for theatrics on the mound.
"In four out of six years he's given up 100 runs a year. He's only had two good years in his career. So what? He's still a [bleep] to me."
–Miguel Montero’s response to Valverde’s comments, in the Arizona Republic
"Oh please. Wake me when it's over. Get an act. Rhinestone bikinis and giving people the finger."
–Comedian Jerry Seinfeld, on ESPN.com, on Lady Gaga causing a stir by visiting the Yankees clubhouse
