Ole Espana - My World Cup experience in Spain

I have never liked soccer. Not one bit. Too many dives and players splashing around on the ground like a fish out of water.
My recent trip to Spain however, during the World Cup, has changed my perspective on the "World's most popular sport." I don't know what it was exactly, I'd like to guess in fact that it wasn't the actual sport of soccer that won me over.

Rather, it was the people. Celebrating in the streets of Madrid after a quarterfinal victory over Paraguay, and then on the beach of Malaga after Spain beat Germany in the semifinals, I fell in love with soccer. Not for the skill of the players, which became more apparent with every game I watched, and definitely not for the yellow and red cards, for which, I still say the majority of fouls are faked, but for the people.

For the impact of the game on the people, and now, the impact of the game on me. If you'd like to read about my entire trip and World Cup experience, check out my sports column for the Chatham-Kent Daily Post: Ole Espana - My World Cup Experience

David Beckham out of the World Cup

It will be the first time in years that England won't be able to call on David Beckham for international play. Here's the real question, does it really matter?

With a nation filled with young soccer stars, Beckham seems like a sentimental favourite, not an actual asset. Yes, I understand he's still one of the best in the world at free kicks and crosses, but we're missing the point here.

Not only is Beckham far past his prime, he wasn't even guaranteed to make the English roster. Beckham, who was on loan from the Los Angeles Galaxy, was only playing for AC Milan in order to improve his chances of making the English national team.

So why are so many soccer fans worried about this injury? Honestly? I have no idea. To me this seems like the perfect opportunity to replace Beckham without debate or hard feelings, and to welcome in another young, talented player.

Sports fans are sentimental and experience is always a benefit, but at some point, sentiment and experience need to be outweighed by other factors.

For the soccer fans worried across the world of the impact David Beckham's absence will have on Team England, if anything, you should be worried if you're cheering for a nation other than England. England just got younger and stronger.

David Beckham would have been a reserve at best for England's national team. So is this the worst thing that could happen? No. Who knows, it might even be the best thing that could happen to England.

It's time soccer fans say goodbye to the David Beckham era and look for a new star at this year's World Cup of Soccer.

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I have Olympic Games withdrawl

Pressing the recall button on my remote control tonight had a strange effect. First, I saw the evening news. Recall. Then it was an ESPN film? What the heck? Where were the Olympics?

Yes, I watched the closing ceremonies just like everyone else. I realize the Games are over. But now, I was forced to do something I hadn't done for two weeks. I had to press the "Guide" button, and explore what else was on TV.

No skiing, no bobsleigh, no curling, no speed skating. What a rip off. NBA basketball seemed like a cheesy participation ribbon. It seemed like TSN was sending me a message saying, "thanks for tuning in, unfortunately, this is all we have for you."

The Vancouver Olympics were a truly great event and displayed the outstanding power of sport. 14 gold medals were won by Canada, more than any nation in the history of the Winter Olympics. More importantly, millions went back to work following the closing ceremonies feeling refreshed, proud, and excited.

Don't worry sports fans, there are a few things for us to look forward to. We have March Madness, the Stanley Cup playoffs, and the World Cup of Soccer. Unfortunately, we'll have to wait a few years before the Olympics re-appear and much longer before we are able to experience another Olympic Games on Canadian soil.

It was good while it lasted, I just wish it had lasted longer.

Let the games begin.

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