Alexi Lalas is doing another stint as a soccer analyst for ESPN during these World Cup qualifying matches. Despite not really giving a damn about soccer, I think he's doing a fantastic job. He's well-spoken, bright, and funny from time to time. Those qualities alone give him a leg up on 90% of the other buffoons that ESPN puts on to "analyze" things for us.
But he made a curious statement today that made me think. U.S. Goalkeeper Tim Howard is back between the pipes against Spain today at 2:25 p.m. (a match that will probably result in the Spaniards being charged with manslaughter) after sitting out the Americans' win vs. Egypt. Lalas said that Howard "sat out the match for some well-deserved rest."
Some well-deserved rest...
Now I understand that U.S. Soccer team is the Memphis Grizzlies of international soccer, and Howard probably deals with more shots-on-goal than any other team in this tournament.
HOWEVER, during a 90 minute soccer match Tim Howard does not have to sprint or even jog for more than 20 yards. He spents 80% of the game standing perfectly still watching 10 other players zig-zag across the pitch, laboring after a little leather ball probably made in the sweatshops of the country that he's playing against.
Until today, I thought that A-Rod sitting out one game per week until the all-star break due to "exhaustion" was the most ridiculous case of athlete pampering I'd ever seen. And it probably still is because it has longevity. But this is probably the most absurd thing I've ever seen.
Now please. I'm by no means a soccer expert. I don't really care much for the sport except during the World Cup which is incredible. I'm barely a novice. So if Tim Howard sat out that game for some real injury that would hamper his ability to move effectively within a 10 yard area someone please let me know.
Until that time, Tim Howard is officially the captain of my "Weener Sissy All-Star Team."
No comments:
Post a Comment