Soccer, pt. 2,855

Ever since FIFA created the Puskas Award for the year’s most beautiful goal in 2009, it has been my dream that an own goal would one day win it. And with goals like this, we’re definitely getting closer to that day.
[Brooks Peck]

After the World Cup, life goes on. Stephen and I have been watching the semifinals of the Copa Libertadores. In the South American leagues, the players dribble a lot — unlike the World Cup players, e.g., the Germans, who averaged 1.1 seconds in possession.

Still, it’s fun to watch these unremarkable South Americans: their play is more expressive, more spontaneous. Less scripted. Less like synchronized swimming.

Trouble is, in soccer, spontaneity and improvisation take too long to do; they require too much thinking. It’s a losing strategy. As the sport develops, play will become more clinical, more robotic. There’ll be fewer moments of inspiration.

Like vultures, we’ll have to get our kicks relishing misfortune.