Not a Big Fan of International Football
I’m not a fan. I’m not a fan of international football. However, if you haven’t had the opportunity to check out the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), you probably should at least give it a look. Why? Well, let me tell you why.
AFCON: A Must-See Event
If you haven’t watched AFCON, you’re missing out. This tournament is packed with action and drama.
- Two Debutants: Two countries making their debut
- The Favorite: Every tournament has a favorite
- Upsets: Because what’s football without a bit of unpredictability
- Craziness: A referee stopping the match way earlier than supposed to
There’s a lot of storylines, a lot of things to be interested in, and a lot of football being played. You can possibly gravitate towards it if you just give it a look.
International Football: Still Not Convinced
My thoughts on international football haven’t changed. I still find it difficult to appreciate for several reasons.
Lack of Practice and Chemistry
Yes, you do have the best, arguably the best of the best from countries coming together to play against other countries’ teams. However, these players haven’t had the time to practice together.
Even if they have practiced, there are still little nuances and things that just won’t click because they aren’t regular teammates.
Impact on Game Quality
This often results in:
- Not So Crisp Play: Situations that could have been easily avoided with regular teammates
- Possibly Slow Game: The pace suffers due to lack of coordination
- Full of Errors: More frequent mistakes due to unfamiliarity among players
With all that being said, you know how I feel about Major League Soccer (MLS).
Thoughts on MLS
If you haven’t heard the Vinceces notes before, here it is again:
Not a Fan
I appreciate the growth and the attempts to make it watchable, but it’s missing that one crucial thing. What is it? Let me explain.
The Missing Element in MLS
MLS is missing that one thing that makes anybody, regardless of their background, want to tune in and see what’s happening. What is it?
The Importance of Promotion and Relegation
Other than the pyramid system with promotions and relegations, not just a set amount of games in a franchise-run system, doing it the other way can add a lot of excitement.
AFCON vs. MLS
With all that being said, I still believe AFCON is a lot better. Yes, that’s saying a lot. It’s an international tournament, and some think international football isn’t that great. But here’s the thing, they’re all the same.
Why AFCON Stands Out
Even though international tournaments have the same issues, in my opinion, AFCON still stands above MLS. You can’t pick and choose which one is better or not, but they all have their charm. Yet, AFCON just clicks.
The Way Forward for MLS
MLS, you know what you need to do. Get that one thing I pointed out, and then come talk to me, or I’ll find you, or hey, we’ll make it work.
Questions and Engagement
What do you think?
- Do you think MLS has a chance?
- Are you watching AFCON?
- What do you think about international football in general?
Pick one of the three or make up your own. Do something. It’s Football Friday and it’s football time.