Random questions to which you seek an answer
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To my dear friends in the USA and Canada: I’d be interested to know how the World Cup is affecting the public where you are. Is it a big topic? Is there any excitement? Does it bring you a little closer to the sport and the international community?
si tacuisses
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I am 1.5-2 hours away from the nearest venue and the tickets are priced at a point that I would need to be seriously invested in the sport to attend or make the effort to. The coverage of Canada’s exploits is good, but not good enough that I have rallied behind the team to be a fervent follower. The sport is still new enough here that while followed, it does not match the enthusiasm and support of hockey. If Canada does well, we will support the team like anyone else would, but don’t think it will reach the level of Canada’s hockey programs.
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For all the criticism (screw FIFA, commercialization, etc.), I think it’s great. It’s always been a big deal here, just seeing all the different nations and their enthusiasm. And things get exciting once the knockout stage starts. It’s also well worth tuning in to matches involving other countries.
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European perspective: a lot of the politics surrounding the World Cup has made this as well as the previous 2 editions a lot less enjoyable than previous ones. I have watched both England games, one of which turned out to be a complete waste of my time. I would have switched off any other match. That's it so far.
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Here in Atlanta, there’s definitely been a great deal of excitement around the World Cup. I know my buddies are watching it like crazy, but they’re degenerate gamblers, so I’m not sure it has much to do with them actually enjoying soccer. lol
On my end, I will say it’s driving me crazy. It feels like all hands are on deck around the venue, and I’ve been waiting an extra 30 days for gas main tapping permits so I can have service lines run to a few houses. I’m not sure why the permitting department can’t fill out paperwork during the World Cup, but apparently it’s an issue.
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@northsouthdenimguy hope you'll be able to enjoy a few more US matches, it's great with beers and BBQ plus family and friends. And it’s very interesting that permitting authorities seem to operate in much the same way everywhere—or, for that matter, fail to do so.
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The Tartan Army, the Norwegian row, Japan blue bags, USA men doing what the USA women have already done, has been really positive. Messi, Mbappe, Haaland, Kane, and David scoring machines plus Ronaldo scoring in 6 WC. I’d say early success. And here on the west coast and Pacific Northwest in particular it’s captured the imagination and given us a break from the “normal.” The beautiful game is a WIN.
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@Tago-Mago Exactly this. Hate the politics and the ad breaks.
Also think its crazy they put it last time in a desert and this time you need a plane ride to get between games while the world burns (your mileage may vary;) )
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@will6er Brazil 2014 had its own share of questionable stuff happening, like building a stadium in the middle of the rainforest, which is bad enough but there was no long-term use plan either, and you could probably find something for most World Cups or major tournaments.
FIFA, the IOC and the likes have always been corrupt but nowadays it seems they flaunt it even more shamelessly.
I try not to let that ruin sports and major events for me but sometimes the noise is too much to ignore
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I have to say that I’ve enjoyed it a lot more than I expected. There have been plenty of goals and some of the teams from smaller nations have done themselves proud.
The fans from across the world have really brought the excitement and the Americans/Canadians in the host cities appear to have embraced them.
I also need to get to Seattle some day to watch a game in that incredible stadium. I love that it’s also in town close to bars & restaurants. -
I haven’t seen this much excitement in New Jersey since 1994. I attended Ireland vs Italy at Giants stadium in 94, Ireland won 1-0. Recently took my family to see Norway’s last Friendly vs Morocco at Red Bull stadium. One of my boys just attended Norway vs Senegal w my neice and her boyfriend. He will never forget the game.
The bars are packed for the games, loving it
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