'Struth!

At the World Cup Soccer, Posh Spice-Beckham in her publicised attitude to body image, has perhaps influenced an increased promotion of beverages (this year has seen promotion of the coffee beverage eg.'Short Black Boldnes') rather than fast food - and most importantly (sexy/domestic) breast-feeding activities since the event of motherhood.

Origin of Male nipples exposed in soccer more than in AFL may be the traditional black and white ball colouration, (wildly) alluding to the song by Michael Jackson 'Black or White'. Though not so much in that said filmclip, the pop singer has been known for his bare buffed chest-under-pant-braces image.

The practice of exposing (male and female eg. the Matildas'?) nipples might also reflect the U2 song 'One' supporting world diversity and humane recognition of vulnerability of a soccer 'star', also brought to mind by the polarity of the contrasting black and white checkers of a traditional soccer ball design. What fun politics soccer brings!

Yeah, women can watch soccer, its a game that it is easy for them to relate to, its like a long conversation for the conversation's sake, that can finish after 90 minutes without anything being said. Probably why it also appeals to all those more verbal countries' males.

Meanwhile, if a goal in Melbourne Rules is like a kiss, and a goal in soccer is like orgasm, then a try being scored in Rugby is exactly what it is, the use of leg strength, upper body strength, agility, guise, cunning and power in a sport where a tackle means what it says - being knocked over and then having the guts to get up and keep going.

Girls can watch soccer. Men will watch Rugby.

Hey, Liz, whoever you are, that is one of the finest little pieces I've ever read on soccer, and I've read a lot.

And Hamlet, you're half right; rugby is about muscle and heart, and a wonderful thing it is too. Why you have to denigrate a different football is beyond me, though...leave the muscle on the field, and open your heart a bit. They're ALL great.