Column by Brian Hoffman, Sports Editor
The World Cup is now over and I’ve watched more soccer on TV in the past month than I have in the past four years. I really enjoyed watching these exceptional athletes compete on the world’s biggest stage.
I’m amazed at not only the skill these players have, but the condition their bodies are in. As you know, it’s been hot the past month and there are few breaks in the game of soccer. For the most part the participants are running for 45 minutes save for a short “hydration break” or when a goal is scored or there is an injury. Compared to other team sports it’s probably the most grueling, and you’ll notice I didn’t count individual stuff like cross country and tennis.
Let’s take a look at our most popular sports in this country. In football, you have short bursts of effort, then a break. I know those bursts are difficult, but you have time to catch your breath.
Basketball is another grueling sport, but other than college men’s games you have four quarters, and there are lots of timeouts and substitutions. Plus, you get a blow during the many foul shots in a game.
We won’t even get into baseball. I recall John Kruk relating how a fan yelled at him from the stands, “Hey Kruk, you’re a disgrace for an athlete,” to which Kruk replied, “I’m not an athlete, I’m a baseball player.”
Motor sports can be draining, especially for the long races, but at least you’re sitting down. Pro golfers have a long walk but they have someone to carry their bag.
As I’ve mentioned before, I’m a far cry from an expert on soccer. The closest I got to playing was recess in elementary school, when the teacher rolled the ball onto the field and 30 9-year- olds all started kicking at it at the same time.
With that in mind, I’ve reached out to folks who I consider to be experts at the game. I put four questions to Lord Botetourt boys’ coach Tim Wright and James River girls’ coach Bill Smith and following are their responses.
A)-Did you watch a lot of the games and did you enjoy them?
WRIGHT
Yes, I’ve been keeping up with the matches as much as I can and have really enjoyed them. I’ve actually had a few of our soccer players attend games, which has made it even more exciting to follow.
One thing I’ve noticed is how the World Cup has sparked conversations with people who I wouldn’t normally consider to be soccer-savvy. It’s been fun hearing their thoughts and seeing so many people become interested in the sport.
SMITH
I have tried to watch one game a day. Life is busy, but this is good soccer.
I enjoy the variety of teams and the subtle differences in style of play. The game has become so international that the differences are not as profound as they used to be. Many of the national teams have players who play for club teams in other countries. This, like our high school players also playing for travel teams.
B)- What is your impression of the skill level?
WRIGHT
The quality has been outstanding. At this stage, every team is talented and tactically organized. What has impressed me most is how quickly teams transition from defense to attack and how technically clean they are under pressure.
SMITH
The skill level is hard to judge overall because even great teams look medium when faced with the hard pressure of a quality opponent.
The ability of so many great players to receive a long ball under pressure is still impressive to me. They take it for granted, but this is a major difference in the game at the higher level.
Of course, these guys can play longer than our game, but the control aspect is what is impressive to me. The few stars who can effectively beat great defenders on the dribble are fun to watch.
C)- Did you pick up anything that might help coaching your own team?
WRIGHT
Absolutely. As coaches, we’re always learning. I’ve paid close attention to how teams defend collectively, their movement off the ball, and how disciplined they remain without sacrificing creativity. It’s a reminder that the best teams are committed to the little details and work relentlessly for one another.
SMITH
I watch a lot of the EPL during the year, so I am used to high-level soccer. The lessons from the World Cup are more just a reinforcement of things I already knew.
Consistent high pressure on defense makes a strong opponent less strong. Movement off the ball makes many more opportunities in the attack. The whole team must be part of the attack and the defense. You often see all 20 field players in or near one penalty area at the high levels.
Fast transitions are a result of this type of play. Defenders have to be some of the fastest players on the team to make it work.
Goal keepers are critical to the team. Some of the World Cup games were definitely decided by a few great saves and smart decisions on the part of the keeper. I have seen this in the high school as well. When we advanced to the State semifinals several years ago, it was in large part due to the quality of Colleen (Peery), our keeper at the time.
D)- Do you feel having the games in the United States will be a big factor in growing the game in our country?
WRIGHT
I do. Soccer has been growing steadily in the United States for years, and hosting the World Cup gives people a chance to experience the atmosphere and passion that make the tournament so special. I think it will inspire a lot of young players, but just as importantly, it’s introducing the game to people who may never have paid attention to soccer before. That’s one of the biggest wins for the sport.
SMITH
I think it will help with the growth of the game as a spectator sport. We have already grown the game in that respect quite a lot. You can find large MLS stadiums with capacity crowds now. You can find soccer on streaming services year around.
The sport does not compete with football or basketball, but it is taking its place in the culture. We already have a lot of soccer at the participation level. Rec, club and school soccer are all pretty big in many areas. Adult leagues are available in our town and in most any town of medium size or above.
We still suffer from having many of our most talented athletes attracted to the money sports– football and basketball. That will be slow to change. The spotlight on the games being domestic and the US having a viable national team will increase interest at all levels. This is more true for the guys. Our women’s team has been the best in the world for years. We have a lot of youth soccer for the girls, but the spectator aspect still lags behind. I don’t mind that, but it would be nice to have more women’s games available for our players to watch.
