Euro's and Soccer

I have loved being able to watch soccer everyday during the summer, and it's been nice that ESPN has had some elite soccer every year over the summer for the past three years.  I'm getting quite used to watching big games in June and July on television. 

I look forward to soccer more than baseball. 

I can't believe I just admitted that. 

I'm really amazed that Russia did not go through to the group stage, especially after their first 4-1 win.  The Dutch were obviously extremely disappointing.  A couple of good teams were going to be eliminated from their group no matter what, but to come away with zero points is embarrassing.   

Germany is playing better than I thought they would.  I expected a tie against either Portugal or Holland.  At the same time I don't think they are playing well enough yet.  They have glimpses of greatness, but I want to see it for an entire game. 

I've also decided that Germany is my favorite National Team when the United States isn't playing in a tournament.  It's much more exciting to watch a tournament when you have a team to root for.  Before the 2010 World Cup, one reason I didn't really watch soccer is that I didn't care at all who would win. Now I have some attachments to players and teams.  

I will admit to being relatively new to watching soccer.  I'll admit to never seeing Messi play in a game.  Haven't seen as much of Ronaldo either as many other soccer fans.  I'll attribute that to caring more about the English Premier League than La Liga.

My favorite soccer player is probably Bacary Sagna, a defender for Arsenal.  First time I ever watched a non UCONN soccer game I saw him bicycle kick a ball out of his goal on defense.  Been my favorite ever since.  He also made me an Arsenal fan with that play and gave me a reason to casually follow the league and root for things to go in Arsenal's benefit. 

Drogba is a favorite player of mine.  Mario Gomez is impressing me so far this tournament.  Ozil is someone else I like watching.   

I enjoy watching these games, and while I am a much bigger fan than I was before, I'll admit that I have a long way to go in terms of learning about international soccer.  However, I am amazed that I enjoy the game of soccer so much that I haven't even thought about turning on a baseball game instead.