Soccer is a good game for all the little people so they have something to do.

Go the Wallabies!

With regards to soccer, that fact that both the FA cup and its Scottish equivalent were decided after full time by penalty shootouts is a blight on the game.

If an AFL game was a draw the spectators would be too tired emotionaly to brawl in an oraganised fashion, sure theres mini brawls but nothing in the league of soccer hooliganism which erupts before games and after draws etc.

I'll start by declaring that I am a passionate AFL supporter and umpire. But my intention is not to assert the glories of AFL.

What I do want to suggest is that those excitable folks who are prophesying glory for soccer because of the world cup are fooling themselves,for a couple of reasons:

First, the soccer fever at the moment is a result of NATIONALISM,not soccerism. People are enjoying the socceroos' efforts because they are an Aussie team taking on the best in the world - and because they're the underdogs too. It's a great Australian story. But it's kind of like the Olympics-for four years I don't give a stuff about the long jump,or softball,or track cycling,or rowing. But when the Olympics are on,I'll watch with interest-not because I've suddenly developed a passion for those sports,but because I *always* have a passion for Australia.

Second,the deal with Foxtel really works against soccer. They've got blanket coverage on the Soccer Broadcasting Service (isn't that what SBS stands for?) on a Sunday,but because they can't broadcast A League,they broadcast all the overseas games,thus ensuring that it's European Football which continues to reach the mass audience here in Australia.

Third,it's true that soccer is played much more widely than the other codes. But so? AFL thrives *because* it is distinctively Australian,a kind of passionate tribalism. For Rugby League fans, who have a national team and test matches,the undoubted highlight of the year is still State of Origin,between two states. Rugby is truly international,but for many people the games against the All Blacks are the ones which really count. So being the "world game" doesn't of itself prove anything.

Finally,while soccer is not nearly as boring as some people above have suggested,it really does struggle to hold attention and then when something exciting does happen,it usually doesn't result in a score.

I think soccer has a future in Australia,that it will become more and mroe competitive as a game rather than being the maladministered cripple it has been for so long. But it's a little too early to be prophesying dominance.

Anth

The trouble is with soccer is that it has such a large corporate body now,that even evolutionary change is excruiciating slow because of the traditionalists.Soccer or true football has been played for 150 yrs and people have got much taller and with better nuitrition faster.

I've watched many a game whereby an inferior side has won.We have to make scoring more frequent.Why not increase the height and width of goals commensurate with the average increase height of goalkeepers.Football also needs a video ref at crucial moments eg when Mark Viduka was tackled Rugby style by the Croations and blatent handballs in the box ignored by both the ref and linesmen.

Sometimes I would equate a game of soccer with paying a high class prostitute $1000.00 only be tickled with a feather.It can be a very frustrating game.

Well, the only thing that matters now is ... tonight's the night. In Guus we trust!!

Arjay,

Don't you think this thing whereby soccer supporters insist on telling everyone else that theirs is the only true football, is counterproductive?

As I said above, I am first and foremost an AFL fan (incidentally it's been played for 150 years or so too matey). I don't mind having a look at the soccer occasionally. But when you try telling me that your game is "true" football and mine isn't, then my hackles rise.

Given that soccer is starting from the subordinate position in Australia, perhaps antagonising your potential converts is not the best way to begin?