Soccer is an international language that shortens the cultural distance between nations; allowing you to share your love for the game with other fans throughout the world. Soccer has come a long way over the years, and is staring to become popular in the United States. To test your understanding about the sport, here are some facts that you may, or may not already know.
1. Soccer = Futbol.
The sport requires players to use their feet. Any contact near the upper portion of the body is classified as a penalty. Which makes sense as to why it has the word “foot” in the name. In comparison, the concept behind American Football is an oxymoron: Football involves primarily hands, not feet, therefore it should be called handball.
2. It's so popular.
About 3.2 billion people around the world watch the World Cup (roughly 46 percent of the global population). Compare this to the 111.5 million viewers that watched the 2015 Super Bowl, it is miniscule. So, SOCCER IS MORE POPULAR!
3. It's an Olympic sport.
Unlike American Football, Soccer is an official Olympic sport. In fact, it is even predicted to be the main attraction in the upcoming 2016 Summer Olympic in Brazil.
4. FIFA!!!!
The Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) was founded in 1904. The association is based in Zurich and overseen by Swiss law. It has 209 members associations and its goal, protected in its Statutes, is the constant improvement of football.
5. It's so inexpensive.
Soccer, requires only ball; it does not even have panels in the design, nor is it obligator to wear cleats or shine gears. This factor contributes to the popularity of the sport, as people in third world countries can easily play it.
6. The U.S Players are not multimillionaires.
The average Major League Soccer (MLS) player are salary approximately $50,000, the same as a person working in an office. The minimum salary is $36,000, while top players get paid the biggest buck. Currently Kaka, midfielder for Orlando City SC, is the highest player, grossing around $7 million.
7. There's an actual golden trophy.
The original World Cup trophy, was actually made out of paper-mâché model. No worries though the well-deserved golden model made it way in in 1950, after heavy rains destroyed the first one.
8. Players are constantly running.
A professional soccer player runs 48 kilometers, or 3.9 miles, in an average soccer game.It is important that are able to keep up the pace for 90 minutes, because may only have 90 seconds (200 meters) to maximize control of the ball. That means the player spend the other 88.5 minutes running around in order to get or keep the opponent form getting the ball.
9. It used to be illegal!
Soccer was illegal in Mississippi until 1991 Now that the sports is actual quiet popular in the state, in fact the Mississippi Soccer Association was established to help promote the soccer across Mississippi.
10. Soccer movies = pure entertainment.
Whether it is to criticize or for giggles, you must watch Bend It Like Beckham, She's The Man, Gracie etc… it shows if you’re a true fan or not.
11. There's biting.
While players biting another gives perfect ammo for adverting campaigns. It is not good sportsmanship and it is just flat out wrong. So, next time your player soccer, as tempting as it may be, please restrain from biting!
