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| Platini UEFA President | |
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| Tweet Topic Started: Jan 26 2007, 08:21 AM (546 Views) | |
| Simon | Feb 2 2007, 10:54 AM Post #16 |
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Advanced Member
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Hmmm I'd never thought of that angle before. I think the natural angle when you're a neutral watching sport is to support the underdog. Thus I was thrilled to see Alonso beat Schumacher, and enjoy it when the All Blacks are beaten, when someone can beat Roger Federer or when Australia lose a Test Match. It's that thrill of watching the odds overturned. I don't know, maybe it is a British attitude. I have heard theories in the past about how our status as an island has given us a special delight for being the embattled underdog that overcomes impossible odds to win the day. You can see it in Shakespeare's Henry V or any number of episodes in our history such as the defeat of the Armada, the RAF in the Battle of Britain etc etc that get mythologised far more than big victories. Is it hardwired into me to enjoy seeing a Polish team beat Real Madrid or a Swedish team beat AC Milan? I don't know. For the record, I wouldn't return to a 'just the champion gets in' formula, but I'd find a way to expose the big boys to more 'do or die' occasions against the little teams. That's the essence of cup football to me, and yes maybe that is the FA Cup influence seeping in. I do think there's a genuine danger of turning most of Europe off football by continuing to keep them at arm's length. I should also say that I enjoy watching the Champions League more than any other continental club competition, I just wish it was as open and unpredictable as the Libertadores. |
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| Pique | Feb 3 2007, 11:53 AM Post #17 |
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Advanced Member
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I've enjoyed reading the comments in this thread but I have to say I can't yet make up my mind which side I agree with more. There are valid arguments to both. In general I also like to support the underdog but I also do like watching the Champions League and it's format pitting the top teams against one another. Others have brought up comparisions with the Copa Libertadores but the South American competition has also undergone changes to make it more similar to the Champions League. But as Simon correctly points out it is less predictable than the European club tournament. Adding teams from Mexico has added to the diversity and strength of the tournament, not to mention opening up more marketing possibilities in both Mexico and the US. But on the playing field it has made the event more competitive and that is only for the better. While Argentina and Brazil's teams are still favorites to win it, they do receive competition from clubs from other nations. More so I think than the Italian, English and Spanish clubs do in Europe. But I don't know if Platini's proposal would eradicate that problem in Europe. Only giving smaller nations teams a bigger share of money available would do that so they could improve their standards. |
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Esas son las leyendas de futbol mexicano, En todo Mexico hay un Chiva hermano! | |
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5:04 PM Jul 10