Alright, PV’s been monopolizing ArseAm ad nauseum. His “deciding” to stay isn’t the only interesting thing happening at our club, or in the World Football arena, either.
So in the interest of a break here, it may be fun to jump off the Gunnerwagon and talk about football in general. In particular, Portugal’s defeat by the Iraqui’s in the Olympics, and the Dallas Burn changing their name to Dallas FC.
First of all, the Iraqui people really need this right now. There is an unbelievable story here, with these ad hoc athletes managing to scrape together a team and defeat the Euro runner’s up by the score of 4-2. Four goals! I’m not sure if its a case of Euro-fatigue affecting the likes of Ronaldo and company, but this is no small feat. The Olympics just may be worth a look after all.
Secondly, Dallas FC? Wait a sec…doesn’t that stand for Football Club? For those of us who have been suffering in the states for an inclusion to the beautiful game on the worldwide stage, this is also big news. But we already have a sport called football, don’t we? What is this move about? San Jose is sold to Club America, Chivas America is coming to LA, and now we’re incorporating terms from the European and Latin American leagues into existing American franchises. If this is a case of changing the face of the sport, I have to say, as strange as it is, I’m excited.
I understand these are odd subjects to broach here at ArseAm, and I almost decided not to submit this as a bonafide article, but I think the topics affect the game we love in an interesting, and thought-provoking way. A lot more interesting then, say, the beaten to death subject of loyalty and its shortened shelf-life in a world of greed.
See there, I can’t leave it alone. Lordy, I’m an ornery bastard.
6 Responses to “Letting Him Up for a Breather…”
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August 13th, 2004 at 8:33 pm
I moved to Dallas a week ago, it’s all because of me!
Okay okay, but it is kinda cool. It’s not often Texas gets more worldly, if you know what I mean. When people have been asking me if I’m a football fan, I ask if they’re Arsenal supporters excitedly, just to see the strange looks on their faces.
Was quite pleased to see Iraq do so well, with their struggle for a national identity something so completely positive is very welcome. That, and I have to admit such a big win for them wasn’t at our expense like in the World Cup.
August 13th, 2004 at 8:40 pm
Well, I didn’t know about the Dallas Burn becoming Dallas FC. That is interesting, but what exactly does it mean?!
and…. I heard about Chivas coming to the States… but I don’t fully understand that either.
Now, I have a boss who is a football fanatic and is Portoguese!!! He’s beside himself at how they could lose to Iraq!!!!!!!!
TRULY amazing story… its fantastic for the country, the players and the fans of football.
I hope they continue to play well in the Olympic tourney…. surely its a great diversion for the people… from whats going on in Iraq.
August 13th, 2004 at 9:35 pm
I believe the name is Dallas FC 96. The 96 adds even more football flair
August 14th, 2004 at 1:45 am
First off: Goddamn. It’s amazing what happens when a football program is used for more than just a front to torture athletes eh? That’s amazing, and congrats to Iraq.
Second, the Burn becoming Dallas FC 96 isn’t SUCH a big deal, I mean, we’ve had DC United as part of MLS since its inception.
However, I work with a LOT of Mexicans, and the Chivas v. America rivalry crossing not borders (since they play games in LA fairly frequently!) but leagues is a hot topic amongst the futbol fans. Now the war is bring fought on 2 fronts (and believe me, Club America and Chivas de Guadalajara HATE each other, almost to Rangers/Celtic levels)
— Geoff
August 14th, 2004 at 1:50 am
You know what, come to think of it, I think it’d be great if we had a board where WE, just ArseAm’ers, could talk fitba in general…
Just saying.
— Geoff
August 14th, 2004 at 9:26 am
True about DC United. I guess I exclude them because they have so many Mancs on board. Something about the term “United” gets people in a tizzy where I drink football.
The real shocker was that, while the Dallas team has moved to something called The Fresno Arena or whatever, reps are quoted as saying that they chose FC because of its recognition as a soccer term across Europe. That’s not verbatim, but the important points are covered.
The curiosity for me, is that they never once mention what FC stands for, and the fact that they use FC and “soccer” in the same sentence either shows a selective bit of ignorance, or a sort of empty mimicry. Its not that it bothers me, but for years I’ve been teased for using the term “football” or “international football”, to represent the beautiful game, and “American Football” to cover the pigskin version. A small point to most, perhaps, but to me, any opportunity for Americans to welcome the international stage onto our soil is a good one in my book.
The Iraqui football story has had only a glance of coverage, and I think that’s unfortunate. The chance to spotlight football and the heart of a people could take the negative opinions off of both subjects. These are a tortured and confused population that love their country. Only an extremely small percentage are Islamic fundamentalist murderers. I for one hope they go all the way.
Geoff, I am aware of that Chivas/America rivalry, and being a UNAM Pumas fan, I sense some growls when I wear my colors. AFter all, the lowly Pumas beat Chivas in the Mexican League finals. It was a fantastic game that went 0-0 and into penalties. I’d love to see them play one day, but I’m a little afraid of the concertina wired crowd. Its still on my list, about number 174 behind 173 visits to Highbury and Ashburton Grove.