Since June 6th, the world has focused its collective soccer minds on the nation of Canada as the host for the 2015 Women’s World Cup. The first day saw the host nation take on team China to open the tournament. Despite the lackluster effort by the Canadian squad, they managed to pull out a 1-0 victory with an extra time penalty kick goal by none other than Christine Sinclair. So why is even this match better than most men’s soccer? Because at least it had drama and built to an ultimate climax that rose a nation to its feet with one perfect swift motion of her right foot. Later in the day, the Netherlands pounced to a 1-0 lead over New Zealand and never looked back. With the exception of Germany completely dismantling the poor Ivory Coast, the games through the first five days have been very close. The odds on favorite United States were even in tough against a very game Australian team before the Americans decided to flex their soccer muscles and pot two late strikes to make it 3-1. Lastly, a game between the always insanely good looking nation of Sweden, versus the young fast Nigerian team was supposed to be an easy win for the Swedes. No one gave Nigeria that memo, as they kept on coming back and scoring after trailing. It was a back-and-forth match for the ages. By then end of the match, even one in the stadium, even some of the Swedish fans were happy that the Nigerians made history and grabbed an all important point in the standing. So, is that the only reason women’s soccer is better than men’s? Because some game were close?
Hell no, the reason that women’s soccer is far and above better than men’s is because women are tougher. Not a single time, in the first 4 days, did I see a single girl go down and grab a different part of their body for dramatic effect. Not a single time did a woman need to be carted off the field by trainers only to run into the game a minute later like nothing happened. Adrianne Leon got elbowed in the face so hard I swear I could hear Ronda Rousey smile from Santa Monica, yet she got up and got back in position. If the same play happened in a game with Italy and Spain facing each other, the guy would have fallen down grabbing his face and his leg (for no reason), then claim someone had shot him in the stomach. The women leave the acting to Helen Mirren and Jennifer Lawrence. Don’t get me wrong, I like when men act, heck, I am a huge fan of Chris Pratt and Hugh Jackman; but leave the theatrics to Starlord and Wolverine.
So, when watching the Women’s World Cup over the next month and a half, take the time to appreciate the skill and determination that these female athletes. Take the time to see how much cleaner the beautiful game is played when women take to the pitch. After this tournament wraps up, go back to watching the la Liga or MLS, then tell me which gender is tougher; then tell me which gender is better to watch. I am Smoke Stark, and this has been my rant on the Women’s World Cup. In a world of ordinary mortals, you are a wonder woman.