Soccer Nation.. Why we love the beautiful game now and forever.

Jonathan Nzali Tips (c)

As I glare at the ball then the goal. Ball again, then goal. I started sprinting up to the multi colored ball. I strike it perfectly. Perfect follow through. The inside bend curving the ball just right. As I watch the ball soaring through the air, the sun puts a glare on the ball. I have lost sight of it in the sun. I close my eyes and hear the ball sliding on the side net. I glanced up and I start cheering. Jumping up and down punching the air with all the might of the strong black beautiful man I am. My teammates and some of the spectators scream their lungs out. The bench and some from the stand run to me. Fists pumping in the air, we collided, we hug, we dance, we dombolo, we zengue zengue. We are almost delirious now. Some of my teammates attempt to carry me. At 264 pounds on a body packed with muscles I am a little too heavy and they struggle, but they won’t stop trying. At last we do the old man dance reminiscing of Eto’o from Chelsea FC old man dance. Yes, I just won the game for the team. It was no big deal game as we are not professional here, but since we struggled so much to combat these capable adversaries, the final success brings so much joy and relieve hence the celebrations. Yes I am talking about soccer or as most in the rest of the world with affection call it: FOOTBALL.

Jonathan Nzali Tips (c)

You see soccer is just a sport and a game at the end of the day, yet the only one I know of that will give you something to talk about with just about anyone who is not from the US. Here’s a tip: in most other countries, the sport is referred to as football. I know, how novel, a sport that is actually played with the feet is called football…LOL!

Jonathan Nzali Tips (c)

Soccer passions are a story in addiction. You haven’t seen crazy fans until you’ve seen soccer fans. In many other countries, they start riots and smash cars, kill themselves, gamble their livestock, cry their hearts out just for the love of this beautiful game. In the US, they are a little more subdued. After all, in the US we have a passion most about the mighty dollar and rarely anything else, but some rare folks that are still intensely passionate (see: Timbers Army) can be found here. Some of the soccer fan clubs people actually have their own entrances and exits at stadiums and visiting fan groups are generally escorted by security. Only in soccer nation…

Jonathan Nzali Tips (c)

Why people hate soccer is a mystery. The haters continuously say, “It’s a sport for people with no strength,” “It’s too long and boring,” and “It’s just a bunch of fairies or gays running around.” Try as you might you may never get the supposed gay joke. Now all these…that’s just funny to hear, because it takes tremendous skill to get where the pros go.

Jonathan Nzali Tips (c)

We’re all entitled to have opinions; however, if us soccer fans were to talk smack on other sports, whether it’s American football or baseball with its pack of fatty overweight and obese so called athletes or basketball with some stars unable to run straight because of flimsy knees, their fans get defensive and act like their sport is the best in the world.

Jonathan Nzali Tips (c)

Now don’t get me wrong; I love basketball. It’s my favorite sport after soccer. Soccer is easily the world’s sport. Born in Cameroon I’m with no doubt part of soccer nation from birth. I don’t want to get off at being biased against baseball and football, even though I can’t really watching either sport without getting bored. Especially baseball, might as well drive my new burban off a cliff. Nevertheless, there’s no denying that soccer players are easily the most conditioned athletes of any mainstream team sport.

Jonathan Nzali Tips (c)

But that’s not the point of this article. See, the topic of this article is to talk about the beautiful sport, its beautiful people and why we, the soccer fans, love the sport. Now here are ten reasons why we love this game:

Anyone can play soccer: A simple sport that anyone can play. All you need is something to kick around. Hey, the Brits used cans at first.
Not complicated to play: Unlike other games where its complexities distract from the game (think American football Wink wink), soccer is simple and easy for anyone to follow.
Best Workout of your life: Beats any other sport in terms of physical fitness. Doesn’t matter how strong you are if you don’t have the endurance you won’t keep up
Source of national pride: A great example of this is Iraq. Even though their country was in shreds they still managed to piece together a national soccer team to represent in the Summer Olympics. I remember when they came out during the opening ceremony and received a standing ovation, very touching.
Great way to meet people: Doesn’t matter what language you speak soccer is a great way to get to know people in a different country.
You can play soccer anywhere: Grass, sand, concrete or bedroom floor, you can kick the ball around anywhere.
You can play solo: Unlike baseball or American football, you need someone to practice with. Soccer can be played with someone or by yourself. Meaning, you can play anytime.
Soccer is truly a world sport: Soccer is played internationally. The world’s most popular sport baby!
Soccer isn’t just a spectator sport: Soccer is fun to watch and play.
Equipment is cheap: Well inexpensive is what I mean. All you need are shoes and a ball.

I have played at the beach in the Hampton by myself with a volleyball, barefoot, and with my goalposts just two backpacks. I can’t tell you how many folks stopped to ask me if they could join in.

Jonathan Nzali Tips (c)

It’s easily the world’s sport, other than America. Which is a true shame because most people are so ignorant that they take soccer as just “another” sport. That is the biggest lie I could ever hear. It’s not just a game, it’s a passion.

Jonathan Nzali Tips (c)

Sports change us as humans. They can break down the barriers of language, race, creed and color. We can all enjoy sports together, regardless of what separates us as people. Nothing has demonstrated the equality sports can provide more than soccer. These are some of the reasons why Soccer nations, the world over, truly, deeply, and intensely love this. It is indeed a beautiful game.

Look at the pics and I challenge you to argue that these people, starting with me, are not just simply beautiful. Brazil 2014…here I come