Another world cup is upon us, this time taking place in Brazil, and I have seen myself dragged (on my own will), into watching the opening ceremony and the first game of this competition.
I think the last time, I watched the opening game of a World Cup, was 20 years ago.
1994, the World Cup was held in USA, the opening ceremony was memorable with a Diana Ross singing, then kicking a ball in high heels, a wide shot, missing the goal ... which still opened split.
France was not part of that world cup, due to 2 losses against Israel and Bulgaria... The commentators at the time, before going those games, were adamant France would qualify, since it only needed a draw out of those... a draw not 2 losses - and yes both games were played on home turf.
The defeat to Bulgaria was the last time I saw Eric Cantona scoring a goal with the French jersey.
I was still interested in football, still under the influence of my childhood with the Michel Platini era, with its highlights:
- The win over Brazil in quarter final of Mexico 1986. Followed by another defeat to Germany in semis.
- The win in the Euro 1984.
- The epic semi-final against Germany in 1982, a loss... but probably the most dramatic game I have ever seen. 4 goals scored in extra time, and France leading 3-1 after 100 minutes only to lose to penalty shoot-out in the end.
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| France Team in 1982. Mundial |
- First the total disrespect to the referee, every single decision is contested, seeing half a team bullying the man in black, shouting at his face is an awful sight. Worse, we spectator are either engaging in the same behaviour (via the safety of a screen) or just watch impassably the bullying. Every time I see one of those scene, I am reminded of that Jean Pierre Mocky movie: "A mort l'arbitre" , where a set of fanatical supporters go on a manhunt for a referee.
- Then there is the acting, and the fake "diving", which we saw another instance of that first game. Last night dive was a textbook example, as studied in this paper:
- It turns out that diving is more common when there’s more to gain by it: in the offensive half of the field – specifically, in or near the penalty box – and when scores between the teams are tied.
- Finally the sport has been turning more and more individualistic, the Real Madrid celebration during the last champions league, were an example of a bunch of splitted egoes celebrating around the field, not of a team.
- respect of the rules and the referees decisions.
- solidarity with your teammates.
I have to admit that as a result, of not so exciting preparation games, I did not follow the 1998 world cup from the start. I should have known better, Aime Jacquet after all was the manager of Bordeaux during what I personally consider France soccer team golden years, with many player under his elm (Giresse, Tigana, Tresor .... ). He certainly learned the lessons from this era, before he took charge of the national team.
Lets' go back to the present and this first game played between Brazil and Croatia.
Brazil was very lucky to win, helped by some dubious referee decisions.
That game make me realize why I somehow lost interest in the football game. I still think this is a brilliant game, the most fantastic you can play, it's basic are easy and simple, any kid in any city can and will play it, sometime without needing a ball, a tin can is a valid substitute.
You can make a ball out of plastic bag, and then go on to dream you are winning the world cup.
So why don't I watch soccer.... few things are annoying me in todays soccer shows:
I have to make a comparison with Rugby Union here, we often talk about the values of the rugby ( sometime in an ironic way ), though I think Rugby exhibit some venerable values, we sometimes mistake them for what they are.
I am not talking about fair play, Rugby Union is a contact sport, and players want to win, so you will see as many acts of non-fair play on a rugby field than any other sports (eye gauging, high tackle, taunting opponents ... ). Where I think Rugby Union exhibit values is in 2 aspects:
Now those two things do not happen by chance. The respect of referee decision is strictly enforced. When you contest a penalty, you have the risk of seeing that penalty brought forward by 10 meters. Only the captain is allowed to talk to the referee, and arguing with referee can lead to a yellow card. Some of those things could easily be implemented in soccer. Also the rugby referee, constantly talk and warns player about their behaviour, the italian soccer referee Collina used to do that constantly during the game, so this could also be an improvement.
On team solidarity, it is a necessity in Rugby by the nature of the game, you have to rely, have trust in your partner to win the game, you cannot win a rugby game on your own, a solitary exploit will not be enough. Soccer has slowly evolved to the opposite direction with the raise of individualistic star with inflated egoes. I watched recently
"Once in a Lifetime: The Extraordinary Story of the New York Cosmos" about the rise and fall of this USA soccer franchise, who brought Pelè in the states, this story can be seen as a precursor of what was bound to happen with the influx of money in the soccer world.
Finally on the faking and diving, we could also take the example of Rugby Union, with a discipline committee reviewing action of the payer after the games using videos, and condemning unfair play and simulation acts with match suspension.
I ended up watching that first game with mixed feelings, yes the game can be brilliant, but is at the moment spoiled by other interests - I won't go into the FIFA scandals, John Oliver did a much better job than me explaining it ( by showing his sausage ).
I am happy to see Brazil win, unhappy by the way they did, still hopeful that I will see some fantastic football display... which probably mean I will most certainly watch more games. And yes that also include watching France play....
