I’m recording every single game in the 2006 World Cup, and watching whatever I can. Most of the games, I skim for goals, or watch a few minutes here and there. During the morning, before going to work (thank you, Pacific Time Zone), I watch a bit of the first game of the day. Then, I avoid news about the games (most of the time) and come home and devour a bit of the best sporting event on earth. The World Cup is better than the Olympics (which I adore) because the television is better, with no advertisements interrupting the flow, and the competition is wide-open. I wouldn’t pretend that all 32 teams are of similar quality, but any one of the top 8-10 teams could take this trophy and revel in that glory forever. Even the usually disappointing powerhouse (yes, I mintend the oxymoron) of Spain looked devastating in their 4-0 spanking of the Ukraine. We’ll see what happens.
It’s actually a bit draining to have this much soccer available, and of such importance and interest to the entire world. The Premier League games I watch most of the year are high quality, and the rhythm of the season draws you in. But it’s not quite so frenetic, with its highs (Australia’s last 7 minutes against Japan) and lows (the entire United States – Czech Republic debacle). Thanks to a tip, I’m enjoying the Tunisia-Saudi Arabia match right now in full. This is normally one I would have skimmed through at triple speed. It’s not the best soccer of this past week, but it’s not one-sided. Game ended 10 hours ago but I don’t know the final score, yet. Live TV is so 20th century!
On a technical note, I’m feeling fortunate that our previous 40 hour Series 2 TiVo had hard drive troubles several weeks ago. The 80 hour replacement is being utilitzed more completely during this tournament! I do wish I had HDTV for this tournament. I haven’t seen a single game in that format, though every single game is being broadcast that way for the first time. Maybe by 2010, in South Africa.