Many Americans don’t like soccer because they perceive it to be a bunch of fools blundering about, kicking a ball without truly controlling it. Goals seem too random and rare to make the exercise compelling, goes the thinking. All that 0-0 action, with titans Argentina, France and Germany kept at bay by inferior sides — almost confirms the idea that skill is irrelevant, that soccer is tilted in the defense’s favor.
Perhaps the disparity in quality contributed to the low scores, as less skilled teams played conservatively with the stakes so high. And there was some creativity; certainly Belgium created shots even if they couldn’t make them. But I wanted the ball in the goal a few more times. The buildup is nice, but the screaming shot, swerving past the keeper into the net, is the manifestation of glory.
It was harrowing to watch Greece and Chile almost prevail, just “parking the bus” with the entire team packed in front of the goal.
I sincerely hope that we haven’t seen the last of the plentiful scoring in the group stage.The big boys now must face off; they should test each other. As interesting as canny substitutions are, with the right striker off the bench suddenly putting exhausted defenders to the sword, I want glorious crosses and perfectly weighted balls that elude fresh defenders and able goalies. I want the starting striker to settle the ball in the narrowest crease of space and time and hammer it into a lower corner of the goal.
Do I need divine intervention? Do I need an Angel?
