Cornflower,
I only watched parts of the game because I was in-and-out all night. My husband really enjoyed watching that game as well as the world cup. It took him a couple of years to get to like the Australian football/rugby but now he loves it.

Yes I have watched some hockey and ice hockey in the past, and yeah that can be pretty rough, too.

I don't generally watch sports much, but like watching some sport during big events like the Olympics, winter Olympics, skating championships and the world cup.

You know, I haven't ever bothered to try to learn the rules or to seriously watch AFL or rugby, so I don't really know if I would like it if I got into it. All the good things I read in this thread about football get me inspired, lol! Perhaps I should just give it a go and watch a few games from start to end and get to know the rules a bit better. I wouldn't want to miss out on the fun if it's out there!

Do you play football yourself, CF and Opi?

Hi Celivia,

No I am too old for football of any type...although I used to play a bit of Aussie Rules when younger. I was a champion at every sport I played in my own mind...lol

I drink wine though...lol

I didn't watch the State of Origin...I was too busy and I very rarely watch a full game of Aussie Rules or any other game for that matter.

I don't particularly enjoy watching your brand of football really but I will probably take more interest as the field narrows down a bit.

Any sport that gets the kids off their backsides and exercising is a good thing.

I'm working on inventing a sport called "smiling whilst drowning"...Oops hangon it has already been invented...Synchronised Swimming...lol

There is absolutely nothing wrong with Soccer (football) but it is fun to laugh at, and joke about...

So even if it is only for the humour, the World Cup is a success.

One extra laugh a day, even if it is at the game we love the most, is very beneficial...lol

I hope everyone's team comes a draw...lol

Opi,
"Any sport that gets the kids off their backsides and exercising is a good thing."
Totally agree. Luckily, Australia is a very sporty country. Children have lots of opportunities to try out many different sports at schools. I would like to see sport made compulsory till the end of year 12, even if it's a couple of hours a week.

My apologies if this is too much off topic, but I have an urge to point out that this was ever so predictable:

"The World Cup provides a unique opportunity for people from all nations to come together, including those from countries with no missionary presence. "
http://mnnonline.org/article/14325

and

"Missionaries will be sharing the Gospel with hundreds of people at the Cup from all nations but will also use it as an opportunity to build the church in South Africa.
...Efforts will be made throughout the Cup to use this unusual amount of unification in the country as a possible avenue to plant churches in some of South Africa's major urban centers.
The Cup is also an opportunity to get people praying."

Hilarious that there is even a prayer on the Church of England's website for those who don't give a #*^& about the Wold Cup:
http://www.cofe.anglican.org/news/pr4810.html

"Lord, as all around are gripped with World Cup fever,

bless us with understanding,

strengthen us with patience and

grant us the gift of sympathy if needed.

Amen."

I have more sympathy for those who attend the event as happy atheists or non-religious football lovers and will end up being gripped with religious fever, which will last longer than the duration of the World Cup.

Great posts from Opinionated2 and Celivia - great to see you're getting into the spirit. I haven't been watching much of it yet, but it'll get more interesting as it progresses. Maybe they'll get sick of blowing the bloody vuvuzelas too...

Of course the godbotherers see it as a marketing opportunity - everybody else does :) Mind you, I love the prayer.

So what if some take their religion to the game. Some very obviously say prayers to Mecca as others make a furtive sign of the cross. Still more wear their lucky socks or undies.

We get as much pleasure from watching the university AFL matches as any sport, anywhere. It is at that level that one still sees the joy of being alive and having a jolly good competition and all can enjoy a steak and a beer together at the end of the game. The spectators cheer good play and effort from both sides and never presume to bask in the (transient) glory of the team or players.

Celivia & Opinionated2

Loving your posts.

Question if a devout Christian (or insert religion of choice) team plays another equally devout Christian (insert religion of choice) team, who wins? Is this why there are soooooo many draws? How does god decide on the penalty shoot-out?

At least when non-religious people play sport it is the better team that wins.

:P

I haven't watched any of it. But will pay more attention as teams are winnowed out.