Outbreak!
Is anyone else suffering from an acute case of World Cup Fever?
I seem to have recurring bouts of the illness. It keeps me awake at night, I become unnaturally anxious, and at times I feel like I’m speaking in tongues.
Somehow, I am even able to become captivated by matches that are scoreless, and last well over two hours. One of the upsides of the illness is that I am learning about far off lands that for 11 months of the year, not only do I not hear anything about – but I couldn’t care less about. Seriously, who knew Belgium were adept at anything outside of chocolate and waffles?!
But why do I care? It’s not because of the Socceroo’s rise to prominence over the last decade or so, though I must admit that it is nice to have a somewhat vested interest in a team.
It’s probably the same reason why have millions of Americans finally decided to start to take an interest in “the World Game.” The Internet.
Though more specifically, cable television and the internet.
Cable television has given people the opportunities to view games they previously would not have had access to, and the internet has allowed people to stay informed and up to date on news and scores that their local press would never have covered.
Growing up, I don’t remember any mainstream coverage of Soccer (I’m using the term ‘soccer’ because I’m sure most of you reading this reserve the term ‘football’ for Rugby League). Granted, our little town didn’t receive SBS coverage until I was well into High School, and the only time there was any coverage of Soccer on the news, was when there were ethnically fuelled riots. Thankfully the A-League has quelled most of that rivalry in Australian Soccer, and fans can attend matches with only the minimal possibility of sustaining flare-related injuries. Something that is now reduced to Bulldogs and Dragons NRL matches.
And as the A-League has rejuvenated Australian interest in Soccer, so too has MLS developed US interests in American Soccer beyond middle-aged mothers with mini-vans full of 9 year olds. It still weirds me out to hear US ESPN commentators speak about the European competitions with their accented pronunciations of all the clubs and players – but hey, they’re progressing.
Originally, my aversion to soccer, and I’m sure is the same for other Australians and Americans, is the perceived ‘softness’ of the players, as they certainly like to ham up their “injuries.” Thankfully now, referees are more frequently yellow carding players faking it, and you can begin to appreciate the game for its finesse.
Though it wasn’t always the case…
When I attended University, I was very surprised to discover that all of my new friends, who all supported NRL teams, also were very keen on the English Premier League. Thanks to them, I have since developed an appreciation for the EPL, and have to suffer through the occasional bout of weekend insomnia whenever my team plays.
But as much as I have my Uni friends to blame for exposing me to the ailments of soccer, I can also thank them for introducing me to (and repeatedly kicking my butt in) Virtual NRL, and eventually NRLCEO, fantasy football.
As a supporter of a now defunct NRL club, my interest in League was waning, but by taking part in an online fantasy comp not only rejuvenated my love of League, but it cemented it forever in my heart.
So with thanks to the Internet and cable TV, I am able to stay up to date with world Soccer news and results, prolonging my World Cup fever. Hopefully the illness has cleared up by Round 19 and I am fit and fighting, ready to charge headlong into the NRLCEO finals series. Otherwise, I’ll have to get vaccinated.
P.S. Not to brag – but to further exemplify The Crystal Ballboy’s exploits, I successfully tipped ALL the first round World Cup matches except Spain’s defeat at the hands of the Netherlands –but hey, who saw that coming!? They’re now my tip to take out the whole thing.
Let’s get back to League!
Bulldogs v Sea Eagles
Manly are on fire and the Dogs are without their playmakers. Should I go on?
Despite this being a clash between 1 and 3 on the ladder, the result will look like 1 v 14. With Ennis and Jackson covering NSW’s Origin halves, you can all but expect them to miss out on their workhorse tries. Though with the bye and Origin, you probably cant afford to NOT play them.
If Jack Littlejohn is available in your comp, you should grab him. He’s good to set up at least 2 tries tonight.
Dragons v Cowboys
The Dragons beat the Storm fairly convincingly last week, and their rag-tag backline looked downright impressive at times. Benji still isn’t at his best, but going up against a Thurston-less North Queensland outfit, it will give him even more opportunity to play himself into some form.
St George Illawarra are finally getting around to honouring their departed legend Reg Gasnier this weekend, and the emotion surrounding that will be enough to propel the Red V towards victory.
Rory Kostjasyn is a workhorse special this week of the Cowboys are to stay in the hunt, and Glenn Hall could be a bolter. Conversely, if the Dragons have the lion’s share of possession, as I expect, I foresee most of their usual workhorse suspects to end up on Geoff Adams’ ‘close but no cigar’ list.
Have you recruited Tautau Moga yet? Last weeks’ Rooster reject is set to be a Cowboy sensation once Thurston returns from Maroons duty.
Roosters v Sharks
The Sharks have their best win of the year, and follow it with their worst week off the field in years.
Who is even coaching this rabble at the moment? I’m available at the moment if they need. I can guarantee more success for the Sharks than Ricky Stuart had at the Eels – that’s enough right?
Roosters will win this in a walkover – one of the Easts’ backs will get a hattrick – mark my words. Tinirau Arona is starting – he’ll get a workhorse try. Lichaa will go very close if he doesn’t get one as well. Dylan Napa will be a very good chance as well now he is starting for the tri-colours.
Many of you will try and recruit Sharks players this week to pad out your 17, but if you’re low on remaining trades, I wouldn’t waste selections picking them up. Though if your trades aren’t limited – go for it. What do you have to lose?
Tigers v Panthers
Whenever these two teams meet, I am reminded of the cover of a copy of ‘The Jungle Book’ I had as a kid.
Though a sunny Sunday at Leichhardt Oval will be glorious, no Farah unfortunately means no Tigers. It’s that simple.
Tiger forwards will get through a lot of work this week, while the Panther backs will trouble the scorekeepers. Idris will be looking forward to putting his stamp on the game, and Matt Moylan will be a standout.
Rabbitohs v Titans
The Bunnies will be fuming after their 2 point loss in Townsville, and the Titans will feel their wrath.
I know I said Paul Carter is destined for big things, and then that week he got dropped for drink driving. But he’s back now, and I think he could tackle the house down. If he doesn’t – it will be a sad old trip back to the Gold Coast.
Issac Luke being benched could screw some people out of a Monday night victory if they are banking on 4 points from a workhorse try, and depending on just how much Souths dominate, some of the regular workhorse machines could miss out as well.
But there’s every chance that the Bunnies will get across the stripe often, and that their playmakers will get points for try-assists. So you have that to look forward to.
The Crystal Ballboy
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