I always knew that most Americans didn't like football (you have to excuse me I just can't bring myself to call the sport soccer) but up till recently I never knew the reason they gave for not liking it. Then I realized it's because they find it boring. This coming from people who watch NASCAR and baseball. I understand that it's a low scoring sport but I think that's what makes it exciting. The fact that it is so difficult to score is what adds to the drama and excitement. Now I'm a fan of basketball and I will admit that the fact that it is high scoring makes it exciting and fun to watch. But that is only part of the reason. In fact, a lot of times even though teams are scoring the action could get very boring and difficult to watch. So I would think it has to be more than just that football is low scoring is why people don't like it. I think it has to do with the level of play in the States. The MLS is relatively new and even now the talent level is nowhere near that of Europe. And in America I think it's difficult for fans to follow teams if they're not part of their town or city far less if they're across the Atlantic. So people aren't going to follow Man U or Arsenal because they get accustomed to rooting for teams that are based in the city they live or grew up in. So I'm really curious. Why don't Americans like the most popular sport in the world?
We have a competitive sports market in the US - many different sports compete for fans' entertainment dollar. The NFL, NBA, and MLB defeat soccer hands down. Soccer is just boring, plain and simple. Even decades of youth soccer in the US can't change that fact.
Hank Hill: Bobby, I didn't think I'd ever need to tell you this, but I would be a bad parent if I didn't. Soccer was invented by European ladies to keep them busy while their husbands did the cooking. Bobby Hill: Why do you hate what you don't understand? Hank Hill: I don't hate you Bobby! Bobby Hill: I was talking about soccer. Hank Hill: Oh yeah, I hate soccer.
It all has to do with TV, time outs, commercial breaks, and a lack of appreciation for scoring CHANCES.... DD
American parents raise American children to like NBA/MLB/NFL not soccer, that's why we don't like soccer. It is not part of our mainstream sports culture.
Because it's not an American past time. It's the same reason that hockey is not really that popular nor rugby, nor cricket. We prefer sports that are 'American.'
i like watching football, i guess they dont like it because their own *soccer* players are horrible...watching the MLS makes me sick and creating the word soccer for a sport that's already named football is kinda stupid too....the only time u use a leg for american football is whenever they kick it to that goal thing....
Flopping. I HATED soccer as a kid watching TV for all the acting and bs that went on, too bad it has carried over to the NBA a bit...
Well, if it comforts you at all, I hate NASCAR and baseball with a passion. Meanwhile, soccer is okay, but I like basketball and football much better. I'd also say I enjoy hockey a bit more than soccer as well. And since I barely seem to have time to follow even 1 sport, soccer just never quite manages to draw my attention.
I agree that baseball and Nacsar are much more boring than soccer. Soccer is my 3rd fav sport I guess behing basketball, and just behind football.
America also has the premiere league of football, basketball, and baseball in the world. The world's best all play here. Soccer isn't the same. OUt league is mediocre compared to those in Europe.
Wish there was a way to find that clip from the Simpsons where they're either at a soccer game or watching it on tv and the two players are just kicking it back and forth to each other while the commentator is going nuts. Hilarity.
Then explain to me what makes baseball and Nascar so exciting. I prefer to watch Test cricket than watch those two and that takes 5 days to complete. And for those of you saying it's a cultural thing, if it's not American you don't like it?
You mean this? http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9VgZjzHRQlo Honestly. Soccer is just painful to watch if you're rooting for a team. So much crap going on and so much luck involved.
