In almost every country around the world, soccer is without a doubt the most popular sport. Though it struggles to find a foothold in places like the United States and Australia, there is little doubt of its global popularity.
Though it is gaining in popularity in non-traditional markets, there is nothing like the fervor shown by soccer fans. If you are thinking of making the leap, here are a few major reasons to love the game.
It’s Simple
Though it is becoming more popular in some places due to soccer betting, soccer continues to be a global phenomenon due to its simplicity. Unlike other games, where there is a need for expensive equipment or it requires renting space to play, soccer is popular because anyone can do it at any time and the concept is simple.
The goal is to put the ball into the net. How it gets done is a lot more complicated than that, but it is a simple concept that even complete newcomers can wrap their heads around. While the other rules take some getting used to, the black and white ball hitting the twine is easy to get excited about.
No Timeouts
Virtually every other sport has breaks or timeouts of some sort. In the NFL, there are three timeouts per team per half available. Timeouts happen all the time in the NBA, especially at the end of games. But in soccer, time runs continuously, which adds to the free-flowing nature that makes the sport popular.
That consistent flow keeps games from feeling like a slog. Basketball games can feature several timeouts at the end, which makes the last five minutes feel like an hour. Soccer just keeps moving forward, with there occasionally being extra time to settle the score. It keeps things from feeling abbreviated and prolonged in an unfun way.
International Pride
While European soccer can become quite intense as fans get behind their preferred clubs, there is nothing quite like international soccer. The World Cup is without a doubt the most popular sporting event on the globe in terms of international presence. Given that it happens once every four years, it is understandable that the tension builds before the first match ever begins.
There are more than 200 nations that attempt to qualify for the World Cup every four years. What sport can even talk about 20+ nations competing? Soccer brings the entire world together for one event every four years in a way that fosters national pride and healthy, fun competition.
It Puts Everyone on an Even Playing Field
Though there are clubs, both in leagues and on the international level, that have consistently had success, there isn’t a formula for creating a winner. Even rich countries like the United States can lose and will do so more often than not. For countries like Ghana, where the average quality of living is substantially different, winning against countries with a higher GDP can feel like the great equalizer.
Free Flowing
There is structure at the beginning of games with both teams on either side of the start line. As soon as the ball is dropped, things are unpredictable. Teams play in different formations but each club has its own strategy.
The rest of the game is about finding and creating open space and making the most of those opportunities. The best players in the world are able to create space when there seemingly isn’t any, creating offense in a blink. It is always fun watching teams try to stop the best players, finding new and creative ways to do so.