smokerblog

World Cup Light

The four year period between World Cups can be a sore trial for soccer aficionados living in the United States. Luckily, there is MLS and (especially for Rochesterians) the A-League to dull the pain. But those looking for world class soccer are forced to endure the World Cup interregnum cruising the minor cable channels in search of the chance Premiership game or an oddly scheduled tape delay telecasts of Champions Cup finals. If you understand Spanish, there are the additional opportunities provided by Univision or Telemundo.

All the channel surfing and tv-schedule perusing is especially galling during the other every-four-year tournament, the UEFA European Championship. This tournament pits the top 16 teams (determined through qualifying tournaments) on the European continent against each other in a month-long spectacle of soccer. Euro 2004 is right now in the middle of the second leg of the opening round and there have already been some exciting matches. Unfortunately, in this country, only those able (or willing) to shell out $200 for Pay-Per-View access have been able to fully appreciate it.

The Euro 2004 site does have some links for audio and video highlights, but for some reason, they don't seem to be compatible with my Mac. That leaves one source (that I know of) for tournament coverage: the beeb. Now, I know, some of you are thinking, "The only thing that could be more boring than watching soccer is listening to it via the internet." If you think that, well you should hear some of the goals that have been scored during the tournament. Listen to those announcers, listen to those crowds and tell me you don't get goosebumps.