I’m watching the last 15 minutes of the US vs. North Korea in the Women’s World Cup am reminded once again that soccer is the best women’s team sport. Why? Because there is essentially no difference between the men’s and women’s game. In basketball, for example, it’s very obvious that you’re watching a very different game from the men’s version: the almost complete absence of dunks being the obvious differences.
Though women’s soccer is a bit slower than men’s, that’s not really noticeable on television. And the tactics and ball skills are all exactly the same. There is even similarity within countries: Brazilian women’s soccer mirrors the men’s beautiful game – amazing ball skills and a flair for the dramatic offensive push.
The game ended in a tie, but from what I saw the North Koreans were better. Terrific ball skills and excellent passing. It was raining like hell and the ball was slippery. The USA was very lucky to get away with a tie.
One of my favorite memories from childhood is of a rainy overtime match I was in. We lost the game (we got screwed by the refs. No, seriously…), but it was a great game.