The real global game
Simon Hill
(from
www.theworldgame.com.au)
Rejoice! Dear football friends...for the end is nigh. The end, that is, of those who mistakenly think that anything but football (okay, and the Olympics!) can bond the world together in a shared sporting experience.
Forgive me for evangelising, but it's the Rugby World Cup that has renewed my faith in football being the only game that is truly global.
In trying to justify itself in world terms, the Rugby 'World' Cup has only opened itself to ridicule. Hopelessly one-sided games in the first phase, which make the Oceania qualifying section look like a gruelling schedule are bad enough, but it's the television coverage that has really gone beyond the pale.
Some of the shows devoted to the RWC have been truly depressing. From the deeply ingrained prejudices (Here come the 'poms'...BOOOO!!!) to the complete lack of overseas perspective.
If RWC is so global, then where are the human interest stories showing people from Uruguay, Georgia, Namibia etc...spending thousands on travelling to Australia to support 'their' team, or crowding around television sets to cheer on 'their' idols?
The one-eyed myopia is not confined to mere nationalism. It extends to homophobia too. Check out a quote from one esteemed Rugby commentator who allegedly said on a Sydney radio station that Rugby was the World Game 'minus the poofs'.
Only last week on national television, we were treated to a feature as to whether Sydney's city-centre portrayal of the twenty competing flags was appropriate, because the flowers depicting the standards were made up of pansies. Laugh? I nearly started. Oh, and all that in the city that 'is the gay and lesbian capital of Australia' - just in case you didn't get the jape.
I have news for those who thought this was a hilarious interlude...the world doesn't take too kindly to prejudice, and (shock horror!) the gay and lesbian community might just like rugby too. I know these people think they spend all day knitting and painting their nails, but trust me, it's a possibility.
As for the 'poms' (yawn) - well, apparently they make up a large proportion of the supposed 40,000 overseas influx - so perhaps they, or more importantly, their team, could just be treated with a modicum of respect, given the contribution they are making to the Australian economy in this 'world' extravaganza? A forlorn hope. Hey, but it's 'only the English'. So that's okay then.
Am I taking it all too seriously? Well, possibly. After all, sport is supposed to be fun. But the whole point surely is that sport is meant to be fun for all...not just the chosen few?
Those who seek to promote Rugby as a global game must surely realise that to truly become a world sport, it has to encompass all creeds, all colours, all choices.
Football, fortunately has done that. There are no geographical barriers, no race barriers, no sex barriers, and no orientation barriers. Yes, problems persist in terms of hooliganism (the only defence left to many in the mainstream Australian media), and yes, the game is far from perfect, but in basic terms, all you need is friends, and a ball.
World Cup 2002 provided the very best that sport can offer. Previously unheralded nations progressed further than expected - the prime examples being South Korea, Turkey and Senegal.
Germany against Saudi Arabia apart, it also offered very few mismatches on the field. But more than that, it was truly a melting pot of all nationalities, both on the field and off it.
It also offered (if viewing figures are any guide) a window on the world for all Australians. Over 3 million viewed the opening World Cup game in Korea. Compare that to the 2.5million that watched the opening match at Rugby World Cup...a competition in which Australia not only participates, but also has a very good chance of winning. The Socceroos didn't even compete in Japan and Korea.
I shall enjoy this competition for what it is...a sporting tournament made up of determined, dedicated athletes...and good luck to all of them...they've worked hard for their day in the spotlight.
But please, do NOT try to pretend that this is a 'World' Cup in anything but name. Rugby fans - enjoy your shindig.
Football fans, revel in the irony of the slogan 'World in Union' - minus the 'poms and the poofs' of course.
