Re: [nas] nas espn highlights

[Yaqui Sammer <yaqui_sammer@yahoo.com>]

--- Casbahman@aol.com re: PTI & Sportscenter wrote:
> I was actually laughing as I watched Tony Kornheiser
> and that other dude debating about the US team.  A 
> non-soccer person might have actually thought they
> knew something about soccer.  But they didn't say
> anything of substance.

>From our zealotrous viewpoint it is debateable as to
whether or not they had anything of substance to say.
I do think the issue of starting the tourney two
weeks earlier than normal, about which they asked
Smyth, is a story with merit.  80% of the players
in this Mundial play in European leagues which don't
wrap up until the end of April or early/mid May.

One day soon, it's possible that we might have 2/3rds
of our squad on European sides, not 1/3rd.  Even if
MLS makes major strides.

But that's not why I was so intrigued by the PTI
commentary.  It *may* have lacked substance,
but the style and delivery were top notch.

Remember, this is the network that allows, ney,
condones, the use of the term Full International
with impunity.  The PTI segment discriminated and
delineated the difference between yesterday's
result and the previous 5-out-of-6 US victories
in the series.

THAT'S a level of sophistication which is essential
if we are to win converts, not just temporary
bandwagon jumpers-on.

 
> This coverage is not for the benefit of soccer fans.
> This coverage is for the benefit of those who are
> newly curious because of the success we've had 
> thus far.  It was the same thing after the Portugal
> win; and then when we tied S. Korea & lost to
Poland,
> the same cynicism & anti-soccer snideness came out.
> If we lose to Germany, even in a valiant, close
> game, we'll hear that same cynicism again but may
> get a few pats on the back from some media outlets.

The coverage may be for the benefit of the newly
curious, but if delievered professionally at an
acceptable level of intelligence, like the PTI
segments, then it is cause for celebration.  The
ABC affiliate in Dallas is STILL attempting to link
every story on the US Men's National Team to
girl's youth teams.  Dan Loney's article in the
World Cup ECG is a must read along these lines...
amateur paradigms are damaging regardless of context.

In addition, I don't think we'll see a negative/snide
reversion *if* (no weauxf no weauxf no weauxf) we
"lose" in this Mundial.  There is NO DOUBT that
yesterday's result kicked some major butt at home
and abroad.  The level of coverage might recede,
and the level of intelligence applied to the delivery
of that coverage might recede, but the out-and-out
hostility I believe will give way to grudging respect.

Discussing the outflow, and mapping the effects,
of this Mundial is going to keep NAS and bigsoccer
busy for months.

-ww

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