10 reasons the World Cup is better than the Superbowl

 

I know some of you are already rolling your eyes at this blog post title and I accept that.

Soccer isn’t for everyone. My husband, a HUGE football (and 49er) fan doesn’t think soccer as a sport holds a candle to football, and I get it. Football is an American sport that really isn’t played anywhere else, and that’s huge (there is rugby, but let’s be honest, it doesn’t really compare).

However, I think the World Cup is on another level. So with that, let me present to you the 10 reasons the World Cup is better than the Superbowl (in my opinion of course, and with some GIF’s for fun):

1. Commercials

Ok so Superbowl comes pretty close with funny commercials, but it’s often more about the brand itself instead of the game, with the end result to make you laugh or cry. (remember this Google commercial? One of my favorites, but never mentioned football even though it played during the Superbowl). With the World Cup, it’s all about the game, the country and the passionate fans, while also weaving in the brand. It’s genius and almost makes the Superbowl commercials seem a bit lazy. Below is one of my favorites, because it really captures the spirit of the sport. Here are some other ones from around the globe.

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2. Energy

It’s a dance party all over the world, doesn’t matter where you’re from. This is probably the most similar to the Superbowl, as I’ve attended some pretty fun parties over the years that involve family, friends and an excuse to root for a team together.

3. Theme song

The World Cup has a THEME SONG. An original song complete with choreography people. The closet thing football has to that is a Monday Night Football song by Faith Hill, and she can’t even dance. Sure the Superbowl has the halftime show and it’s great (hello Beyoncé), but it’s not original stuff. If Usher came out with a Superbowl theme song with choreography, I’d be all over it.

[embedplusvideo height=”325″ width=”625″ editlink=”http://bit.ly/1qrbnO7″ standard=”http://www.youtube.com/v/TGtWWb9emYI?fs=1&vq=hd720″ vars=”ytid=TGtWWb9emYI&width=625&height=325&start=&stop=&rs=w&hd=1&autoplay=0&react=1&chapters=¬es=” id=”ep8052″ /]

4. Global Appeal

We aren’t talking Dallas or San Francisco folks, this is a COUNTRY vs. COUNTRY situation. The whole world is watching and you better get on board. The only thing similar is the Olympics, but without that curling competition.

5. Commentary

I mentioned this a bit last week in my fab five, but if you want a truly exciting game, watch it in Spanish, it makes ALL the difference. I was watching one of the game in English until the announcer came out with “that was quite an extraordinary tumble” and knew it was in my best interest to switch over to Spanish, who was mid-GOOOOOLLLLLLLLLLLLL! Check out this comparison that is pretty much perfect. Andres Cantor is the bomb.

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6. Player Hotness

There are some hot players in football, but these soccer players give Tom Brady a run for his money, and they have an accent. It’s too bad Spain is out, as they gave us ladies (and men) some nice eye candy. No worries though, there is plenty to go around.

7. Shorter Season

When football season starts, it’s a 6-month commitment. All other shows need to be worked around the games and Superbowl is more of a final to a semester of classes. It’s long and after about month 3 I’m ready to watch anything else. The World Cup is a month long. Wham, bam, thank you ma’am.

8. Penalty Kicks

Oh I love penalty kicks! I almost wish football season would have them, and they would be especially exciting at a Superbowl game. Then maybe the kicker could get some more airtime (and work, I still can’t believe that’s his only job).

9. Referee Calls- no replay of fouls, different angles, reviews, challenge

Yes some of the ref’s are corrupt and there have been investigations every 4 years about favoritism, bad calls, home team advantage, etc. The ref’s seriously rule here, and their authority in giving out red/yellow cards make me want to carry some with me for everyday uses (cut in line in front of me, you get a yellow card). However, it’s refreshing not to see imaginary yellow lines to see what exact yard line the ball landed, and to have to watch the same play over, and over, and over again in a million different angles while the coaches challenge, call a time out and whine about it. Just play the game OK?

10. Team Celebration (as opposed to “excessive celebration”)

This is one call that always makes me sad, players get fined for what they call “excessive celebration”, or what I like to call “can’t dance jealousy”. Making that big play takes work, and players should be able to celebrate that victory dammit.

So there you have it, 10 reasons why the World Cup wins over Superbowl. Who’s with me?