The Beautiful Game: LA Galaxy vs. FC Dallas
March 16th, 2008 . By: Lorenzo de Medici
Watching this game in person confirmed what I’ve long believed to be true: Soccer is a game best watched live and a 0-0 game is not necessarily without drama, incident and excellent play. Most of the so called “American” sports (especially “American” football) are much better viewed in the comfort of one’s home sitting in one’s favorite chair with one’s preferred beverage close at hand. This way the interminable stoppages are not so much of an irritant as one can be entertained by the replays, cheerleaders and easy trips to refill your glass, take a leak, mow the lawn, shoot the dog, or whatever else without missing any of the action. This is not the case with soccer and this game was a prime example. I have seen, over the years, better 0-0 games and I have also seen worse 0-0 games. This one I found quite entertaining not least because of the presence of Mr. Beckham. Like him or loathe him there can be no denying the man has star power. His detractors feel he is way more flash than substance, more sizzle than steak if you will. I disagree wholeheartedly with this opinion. He was easily the best outfield player on view (the best player might well have been the Dallas goalkeeper, Dario Sala, who was outstanding throughout). The control, vision, decision making, the range and accuracy of Beckham’s passing were something to be enjoyed by any true aficionado of this global game. The guy seemingly is immune to pressure and apparently plays the game for the very same reason he played the game last time he was in Dallas as a 12-year-old in the Dallas Cup. David Beckham plays for the fun of it; it’s as simple as that. Of course he’s made pots and pots of money but I get the feeling he’d play for nothing these days. He loves the game that much. Which brings me back to why this game is better viewed in situ than it is by sitting at home, at a friend’s house or in a bar. Watching the FC Dallas vs. L.A. Galaxy match from the stands where the entire field is always in view helps to see what only the very best players see: the whole picture unfold, the runs of teammates, the presence of opponents and the options available. With one magical pass midway through the second half Beckham confirmed to me his brilliance. He spotted Landon Donovan breaking down the left side and with one swing of his right foot placed a perfect 40+ yard pass directly over the defender’s head putting enough back spin on the ball that it didn’t run away from Donovan but rather sat up for him. Donovan expertly lifted the inviting ball over the head of Dario Sala towards the gaping net. Were it not for a fantastic, athletic save by the Dallas goalkeeper we would have witnessed a great goal. As it was we witnessed great soccer and that was good enough for this fan. I would urge all fans to watch the game in person whenever possible and whilst watching, get your eyes off the ball occasionally and try and see what the player in possession sees. This way you will get a true indication of the greatness of a player like David Beckham. It is easy to see the whole field from the stands, not so easy when watching on television and not easy at all when actually on the pitch with 21 other players going 100 miles per hour all around you. I appreciated David Beckham last night. I’m glad he’s here in America. I look forward to his next visit. I’ll be one of the fans watching from the only place to truly watch this great game, the stands. 8 Comments Comments RSS TrackBack Identifier URI Leave a comment |
While I was also impressed by Beckham’s passing, I’m even more impressed that a guy who has been dead for 600 years is writing match reports for Third Degree! Lorenzo de Medici, I salute you!
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lorenzo_de‘_Medici
Well written piece, thanks, Lorenzo. I have to agree, even as I yelled at people for wearing Beck jerseys, I couldn’t help but be awed by the energy he brings to the proceedings by simply being on the pitch, and the touch he delivers on a ball.
Watching David Beckham play soccer is one of those treats you have to just enjoy for the purity of it. Even for the other team, watching him deliver like that is an act of soccer beauty.
I was able to to take my father-n-law to the game and really enjoyed it. He grew up in Italy and Belguim and told me after the game that the stadium is built the way it is suppose to be close to the field and no fence in front of the stands. Other than the few people behind us saying that they need to put on a jersey and go out there and show them how to play, and the guy yelling that you need to mark “yellow shoes” it was the best way to watch a the GREAT GAME.
Lorenzo,
I’m a little perplexed by your comment about pressure. He’s played in a Champion’s League final, and represented England in numerous World Cups and Euro Cups, most recently as captain. Having Capello’s henchman in the stands would hardly be considered pressure by a player that’s thrived at both Man U and Real Madrid. The man can place a precision 40+ yard pass and is great in dead ball situations. A Gals vs. Hoops preseason game is not pressure though.
Was I the only one who thought Becks had a bit of an off game? His first touch let him down several times, especialy early in the match, and Dallas players dispossessed him regularly in 1-v-1 & 50/50 situations.
No argument he is a great player. I still think he had a bad game.
Man, I’d kill to see the boys in the old Dallas Burn jerseys. The ones they got now suck..
I would not be surprised if Becks felt some pressure. Making his 100 appearance for England is very important to him and his opportunities may be running out. His prior experience would probably help him to deal with the pressure, but would not eliminate it. He has done lots of things in his career, but playing for one last chance at national team glory in the twilight of his career is a new experience.
Beckham plays with real pressure every time he steps on the field, so yes, he had pressure and he handled it very well in this game.