It's Not Whether You Win or Lose ... ?
Thursday, 03 July 08, 04:04 PM
I first saw this article as a link from the Guardian's Football
page on the web. Very interesting piece by Simon Kuper that ended up proving true when Germany actually did lose to Spain in this Euro competition. It's something to ponder that fans, and
therefore the societies they belong to, are possibly beginning to subscribe to the idea of the beautiful game over winning at any cost (Nike's 'joga bonito' marketing campaign of a couple years
back notwithstanding). When I first got wind of this article, it made me chuckle, no laugh actually. I mean, let's be realistic here, Germans go hand in hand with winning like cheese goes with
crackers. Right? And yet, there was something to Kuper's piece that wasn't so much funny as hopeful.
To put it quite frankly, I'm a Barça fan because they play attractive football, though the winning part does help (well, it used to anyway). Very attractive football, like the 'Sara Ramirez' style of footie, if you know what I mean. Of course I want the blaugrana to win, but not at the expense of graceful play and skillful execution. Okay so maybe I might be guilty of wanting to see the Special One as Rijkaard's successor, but consider it a feverish period of frustration for this cule. Cruijff was right to say Mourinho wouldn't have fit with the club's philosophy. Anyway, to return to my original point, once I got over that intellectual hurdle of the 'new' Germany (and how exactly do you say 'beautiful game' in German ... die schönes spiel?) I realized maybe the Germans were on to something. Something good.
This tournament could be presented as evidence that attractive, attacking football makes for good entertainment as well as a winning combination. Not all the national teams tried to employ a more open attacking style, but those that did indelibly left their mark upon our memories. From Holland and Croatia to Russia and Turkey to Portugal and Spain, we saw loads of end to end football with attack upon attack followed by counterattack. Those more concerned with not losing were eventually swept aside. In fact, by the quarterfinals I would venture to say that of the eight teams only one (Italy) was overtly defensive in style, while another (Germany) was predisposed to a defensive posture. The rest let fly and had at it, may the best side win.
In Spanish La Liga, most fans cheer on a display of flair or imagination on the pitch, regardless its impact on the overall match. Sure, workmanship is appreciated, but if it's not accompanied by creativity, then the effort is seen as tasteless or even stunted. Spaniards want to be entertained, they want to see magic on the pitch. If they want to see men at work, they can go to one of the many construction sites in Spain and watch cement being poured. No, the Spanish believe in creative football, attractive football, and it's been that way for some time. And four days ago, the Spaniards proved theirs is a superior football too, by a long shot.
That a country like Germany might actually prefer creative losers to efficient, pragmatic winners is saying something big. It's almost scary really. Could it be that some day I may actually cheer on Deutschland because of their deceptive play, their weaving runs and their intricate, hypnotic passing? That day may arise if this trend continues. And wouldn't that be a joy to watch. I think it would, surprisingly enough.
To put it quite frankly, I'm a Barça fan because they play attractive football, though the winning part does help (well, it used to anyway). Very attractive football, like the 'Sara Ramirez' style of footie, if you know what I mean. Of course I want the blaugrana to win, but not at the expense of graceful play and skillful execution. Okay so maybe I might be guilty of wanting to see the Special One as Rijkaard's successor, but consider it a feverish period of frustration for this cule. Cruijff was right to say Mourinho wouldn't have fit with the club's philosophy. Anyway, to return to my original point, once I got over that intellectual hurdle of the 'new' Germany (and how exactly do you say 'beautiful game' in German ... die schönes spiel?) I realized maybe the Germans were on to something. Something good.
This tournament could be presented as evidence that attractive, attacking football makes for good entertainment as well as a winning combination. Not all the national teams tried to employ a more open attacking style, but those that did indelibly left their mark upon our memories. From Holland and Croatia to Russia and Turkey to Portugal and Spain, we saw loads of end to end football with attack upon attack followed by counterattack. Those more concerned with not losing were eventually swept aside. In fact, by the quarterfinals I would venture to say that of the eight teams only one (Italy) was overtly defensive in style, while another (Germany) was predisposed to a defensive posture. The rest let fly and had at it, may the best side win.
In Spanish La Liga, most fans cheer on a display of flair or imagination on the pitch, regardless its impact on the overall match. Sure, workmanship is appreciated, but if it's not accompanied by creativity, then the effort is seen as tasteless or even stunted. Spaniards want to be entertained, they want to see magic on the pitch. If they want to see men at work, they can go to one of the many construction sites in Spain and watch cement being poured. No, the Spanish believe in creative football, attractive football, and it's been that way for some time. And four days ago, the Spaniards proved theirs is a superior football too, by a long shot.
That a country like Germany might actually prefer creative losers to efficient, pragmatic winners is saying something big. It's almost scary really. Could it be that some day I may actually cheer on Deutschland because of their deceptive play, their weaving runs and their intricate, hypnotic passing? That day may arise if this trend continues. And wouldn't that be a joy to watch. I think it would, surprisingly enough.
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Pequito
seattle, US
Over 30 years ago, this American came to love the sport by way of Guam. It may have been pivotal that his first coach was a Spaniard with the self-declared moniker of 'Don Pedro'. Since then, the love of tiki-taka and all things La Liga has been foremost. This especially applies to Barça.
- No.14 -
Life. Football. That’s All. Live your passion on OleOle.
2 Comments
Great post Pequito. Thanks for sharing the article. You know ever since the Bundesligat started bringing in more Latin American players, the whole World Cup that changed the German psyche that it is ok to be patriotic and to play with flare. It's not all about discipline, order, etc, I am really starting to enjoy the Germans and their style of football. They don't overcharge their fans for games. It's all about the experience, passion, and love of the game. We are seeing a kindler, gentler Germany that still knows how to win, but wants to do so with panache. Gotta love them. Beware World. Here they come!
I've often wondered, Forzafutbol, how the Bundesliga was doing these last few years with all the latin american players they have in their clubs now. That's good to know!