My friend Dr Mike recently moved from England to New York. This provided the opportunity for WCC to gain some insight from behind enemy lines! USA are, of course, England’s principal rivals in Group C. (Like me, Dr Mike doesn’t actually have a doctorate.)
What has been your first impression of American culture?
Honestly Dr Ted, I’m not sure I can sum it up in a few words. Perhaps the most striking thing is the frantic pace of life – although this may be specific to New York, where I am based. Apart from that, everyone seems super confident and very sure of themselves – something I’m hoping to steadily undermine with some good old-fashioned British pessimism and hours of moaning.
How does this first impression relate to their sporting ethos?
It’s the complete opposite! New Yorkers at least tend to treat watching sport as a laidback social event rather than an all-consuming, life and death matter – such as a football match back in England. With over 80 games in a domestic baseball or basketball season, I guess this is understandable, but it does feel like something is missing. Off-the-field entertainment seems to play a big part in the sporting experience – I recently attended a Yankees baseball game and between each innings there was a different form of entertainment – from the YMCA to Cotton Eyed Joe. Fans were actively encouraged by the stadium announcer to flash their biceps for the jumbotron broadcast!
Is a burgeoning sense of World Cup fever apparent yet in New York?
In a word: ‘No’.
How does US football/soccer media coverage compare with that in England?
It’s almost identical. Interestingly, the major channels over here simply show delayed footage of European games with British commentary. Imagine my relief a few weeks back to find ex-Newcastle man Warren Barton providing probing analysis at half time during Champions League coverage. As you may expect, MLS coverage does boast more enthusiastic American commentators, who refer to penalties as ‘PKs’ and open goals as ‘free netters’.
Should Landon Donovan be played on the flank or through the middle?
Pass. Having been based ‘Stateside’ in the close season I’m not in a position to comment. If you’re pushing me for an answer though I’d say down the flank. From the little I saw of him at Everton, he has close control, pace and a good delivery – all the ingredients of a top-class wide man!
Please provide three reasons why England is better than the US.
England gave the world Craig David, Dame Judi Dench and World Cup College.
Please provide three reasons why the US is better than England.
The US gave the world Bill Clinton, Stevie Wonder and McDonalds.
How far do you think the US will progress at World Cup 2010?
I’ve not really looked at their group yet, but I’m going to boldly say: first round knockout. Let’s hope the locals aren’t reading this!
England play the USA in their first group game: final score and scorers please…
England 3 – 0
Rooney
Walcott
Defoe
I’ve heard an Irish commentator on MLS coverage that was forever referring to the goal net as the ‘onion bag’. Very annoying.