I felt sorry for the advertising people. They paid big money to place ads in the fourth quarter and nobody saw the fourth quarter. They walked around, talked and ate. And I guess they had a few drinks. But no game watching. None.

The next day I read the papers. Skip the game. Item one was about the US soccer team (men) beating China in a 2-1 contest. The Chinese team was in better condition and spent the whole second half attacking the goal. People were on the edges of their seats to see what would happen. They screamed and yelled to support the team. Up to the final second. China really wanted to win. What a game!

Then in England, the same weekend, Manchester United player West Ham in a Cup game at Manchester United. Old Trafford is the name of the stadium. The fans saw a great game. West Ham scored in the 79th minute of the game. The only goal to that point. West ham had not won at Old Trafford since 1989. The pressure was unbelievabale for the remaining minutes. People screamed and yelled until the final whistle. The result was like lightning struck the stadium. Manchester United was beaten at home by a weak team. Will wonders never cease? Was it a good game? You have to be kidding me. Better than the Super Bowl? You have to be kidding me.

People complain that soccer is a low scoring game. How does a 2-1 game against China sound? Or how does the Manchester United game sound?

I will take soccer anytime to a blowout in American football. When was the last good Super Bowl game? (I remember. Do you?)

Does anybody have a ticket for next year`s Cup games in England? Can I buy one? Give me a call. You have my number.

Alan Maher
Sunshine Square

Editors note:
Alan Maher was keynote speaker at the National Soccer Coaches Convention (NSCAA) in Cincinnati. You can correspond with Alan Maher by writing to:
Alan Maher
340 Euclid Ave.
Massapequa Park, NY 11762
alanmaher@aol.com