|
Hobbies, Crafts, Interests Do you like to knit? Throw pottery? Go fishing? Camping? Have Pets? Make jewelry? Tell us about it here! |
|
Thread Tools | Display Modes |
07-17-2011, 08:13 AM | #21 | |
Member
How Do You Identify?:
Queer, trans guy, butch Preferred Pronoun?:
Male pronouns Relationship Status:
Relationship Join Date: Apr 2010
Location: Canada
Posts: 1,329
Thanks: 4,090
Thanked 3,898 Times in 1,024 Posts
Rep Power: 21474852 |
Quote:
In the professional leagues interest a different story. Actually, some critics have said that that's the reason why Germany did not perform at their usual level is because they broke under the pressure of crowd sizes/being the home team. Usually professional women's games in Germany only really attract 800 or 900 people, and so some suggest they may have suffered a bit of "stage fright" when they came out to 70,000+ supporters on home turf. Though Prinz did also mention that she and her teammates were having some psychological issues during these competitions. There have also been some great inroads made in areas of the world where women's sports or women's football was completely unknown until recently. Places like Iran, Palestine, Qatar etc, and some games which have drawn fairly big crowds. I think the support is growing for sure. I've also noticed a big difference in the commentating over the years. In the past, there was a huge difference in the way commentators spoke about female football players vs. male football players. Word choice would often exclude aggressive words to describe a particular play, players referred to by first names instead of last names, sexualizing players, and limitations on physical ability implied. It's changed a lot, but sometimes the commentators still show this need to "feminize" (brackets to denote stereotypical femininity vs. the reality of female athletics, and femininity for that matter) the players by talking about fashion, or saying things like "lots of tired little legs out there" or "she got hit in the tummy" vs. "he got hit in the stomach." The general need diminish from adult human to small, childish, frail. Of course, there were some great stereotype breaking moments as well (referring to Garefrakes as a "bulldozer," talking about the great physical strength of players like Melanie Behringer who is nicknamed "the Hulk" by her teammates etc.) And then there is the homophobia that plagues all sports, really. There have been persistent rumours over the years that Abby Wambach and Megan Rapinoe are gay which have neither been confirmed nor denied by either player, as well as that Wambach is in a relationship with Sarah Huffman (they live together, have a dog, people go on about Huffman's twitter comments about the two of them etc.)...and well, you can imagine some of the idiotic comments That's really something that has to change in all sports, and I've been happy to see players like Mario Gomez from FC Bayern begin to talk about how more players should come out in professional football etc. Lots to change, but much has changed for the better to date and there is certainly hope for the future. The whole "feminization"(again referring to stereotypical views, rather than femininity as at odds with athletics, which it isn't. Athletics are not gendered, imo)/sexualization of players by fans and media is probably what continues to bug me the most, though. Athletes are athletes. But what can you expect when our culture continues to tell us that women must constantly have sex appeal. Want to go to the gym? Better not put on too much muscle mass, you might not look "sexy" by contemporary standards...because, you know, a woman that can actually defend herself or acts aggressively is such a horrific notion... [/sarcasm] This fear of losing sex appeal, or that it even fucking matters (no matter what a person finds "hot" or not) is bullshit. What the fuck do sports have to do with sex appeal? Respect athletes for their abilities, sex appeal shouldn't even enter into the equation...ever. Sorry for the ramble, it just pisses me off immensely and I just read some disrespectful comments about Wambach elsewhere that made me nauseous and perhaps set off this little rant. That's truly what I hope changes as far as women's football (and society as a whole) in the future. Yep, they are playing Japan. The competitions are in Germany Germany were expected to be in the finals, but were beaten in extra time by Japan in the quarters. As with every World Cup, the final game is both awesome and sad...because then the excitement and anticipation is all over And then it's time for the summer Olympics countdown! |
|
The Following User Says Thank You to EnderD_503 For This Useful Post: |
07-17-2011, 01:16 PM | #23 | |
Member
How Do You Identify?:
Female/Lesbian/half the athlete I used to be Preferred Pronoun?:
she/her Relationship Status:
Dates Join Date: Nov 2009
Location: So proud to be a Pittsburgher
Posts: 1,484
Thanks: 2,645
Thanked 3,734 Times in 1,167 Posts
Rep Power: 21474852 |
Quote:
You and I (and alot of the planeteers) are pre title nine. Sports has changed dramatically since those days. It may not be where we'd like it to be......but the glass ceiling still exists, why would sports be any different? I'm glad the young people have the opportunities afforded to them that they do, we certainly didn't. I'd love to stop working and have someone pay me to train so I can compete in an Ironman in Kona someday. Doubt that! Go Women!
__________________
As long as there was coffee in the world, how bad could things be?? |
|
The Following User Says Thank You to Dominique For This Useful Post: |
07-17-2011, 01:46 PM | #24 | |
Infamous Member
How Do You Identify?:
Woman Preferred Pronoun?:
HER - SHE Relationship Status:
Relating Join Date: Nov 2009
Location: CA & AZ I'm a Snowbird
Posts: 5,408
Thanks: 11,826
Thanked 10,828 Times in 3,200 Posts
Rep Power: 21474856 |
Quote:
I am so impressed with women soccer players- look at them! This just has to be one of the most exciting times for these women- all teams from all countries. What an experience! I wish that this sport would have been more a part of my "time" in women's athletics. amazing skill going on out there! |
|
The Following User Says Thank You to AtLast For This Useful Post: |
07-17-2011, 02:03 PM | #25 |
Member
How Do You Identify?:
male identified butch Relationship Status:
Married Join Date: May 2010
Location: Sweden
Posts: 294
Thanks: 119
Thanked 358 Times in 123 Posts
Rep Power: 1030323 |
Yeah, watching Japan and US now, where are the goals? The US are obviously better than Japan in technique and strength...
__________________
"Vivamus, mea Lesbia, atque amemus" |
07-17-2011, 03:42 PM | #26 |
Member
How Do You Identify?:
Male and Unc to my God Son Preferred Pronoun?:
Him, he, and 'hey, handsome' :P Relationship Status:
She said "Yes!" Join Date: Jul 2011
Location: NOLA
Posts: 285
Thanks: 230
Thanked 654 Times in 224 Posts
Rep Power: 3156406 |
*hangs and slowly shakes head*
__________________
|
The Following User Says Thank You to Holly.88 For This Useful Post: |
07-17-2011, 04:40 PM | #27 |
Member
How Do You Identify?:
butch dyke Join Date: Jan 2010
Location: NJ
Posts: 449
Thanks: 341
Thanked 1,550 Times in 359 Posts
Rep Power: 19160662 |
I am Thrilled for Japan!
It is sad, though, that one team has to lose when both sides were such champions.
__________________
The Origins of Butch & Femme (a retelling): https://youtu.be/U7VkXpZl4Mk Watch more of my funny butch/femme movies here: https://www.youtube.com/dykeumentary1 |
The Following 2 Users Say Thank You to dykeumentary For This Useful Post: |
07-17-2011, 04:52 PM | #28 |
Senior Member
How Do You Identify?:
. Join Date: Nov 2009
Location: .
Posts: 2,905
Thanks: 4,151
Thanked 5,827 Times in 1,721 Posts
Rep Power: 21474853 |
What a well played game! I saw only one noticeably bad call by a ref, but I admit I napped through part of the first half (not by intent, rough weekend!).
After the goal by Morgan at the 69 minute mark, it looked to me like the US team wasn't playing as tight, whereas Japan kept the pressure on. They did what the US typically does, and brought the game to us, and hard. Their relatively new goal tender really came through for them, especially during the shoot out at the end. She was exactly where we needed to be. Maybe the US team has more financial support, better training, but (to me) in the end it was the determination ("heart") that brought the win to the Japanese team. I'm disappointed for the US team, but really thrilled for the Japanese, who's country really could use something uplifting like this World Cup. I thought both teams showed great conditioning, skill and heart, and played with grace. In addition, Hope Solo got the Golden Glove for being the top keeper in the tournament (as well as the bronze ball in the best player category) and Abby Wambach got the silver ball and the bronze boot for most goals scored. Japan's Sawa got the gold ball as the tournament's best player, as well as the gold boot for most goals scored. Silver went to Brazil's Marta.
__________________
Every normal man must be tempted at times to spit on his hands, hoist the black flag, and begin to slit throats. - H. L. Mencken |
The Following 2 Users Say Thank You to Mister Bent For This Useful Post: |
07-17-2011, 06:45 PM | #29 |
Member
How Do You Identify?:
Queer, trans guy, butch Preferred Pronoun?:
Male pronouns Relationship Status:
Relationship Join Date: Apr 2010
Location: Canada
Posts: 1,329
Thanks: 4,090
Thanked 3,898 Times in 1,024 Posts
Rep Power: 21474852 |
Wow...now that was a World Cup final! Both sides played a great game. Japan in many respects did what they have often done in these championships. Similar to the win against Germany in particular, though on a much larger scale. This Japanese team is so patient, disciplined and technical and I think that's really what got them through this match. They've the ability to slow the play down and regroup in their own zone when the US came on strong. In a way, I think that aspect of the Japanese play frustrated the US. The Us often gave away the ball too easily throughout these championships, and with the Japanese who are so good in close quarters and with accurate passes, it wasn't the best team to give up the ball to. Even if Japan did not go on the attack as frequently and powerfully as the US, they've got tremendous patience and the initiative to capitalise the second an opponent makes a mistake. Hence the first Japanese goal that brought them back in the game. I'm sure Rampone is kick herself for giving up the ball that led to Miyama's goal. That has to suck in your last World Cup appearance.
It was so great to see Japan win this, though, and especially Sawa before she retires. At the same time, I really like Abby Wambach and she deserves to win a World Cup. I hope she doesn't retire before the next one even though she'll be 36 by then. Soubeyrand was 37 this year when she led France into the World Cup, so I certainly hope to see Wambach here in Canada in 2015. She's always the player to breathe life back into her team when they're starting to slip; from giving the US the lead/rekindling hope, to trying to bring them back during the shootouts after two straight failed attempts. She's definitely not passed her peek yet (still one of the most athletic strikers in the game, imo), so fingers crossed she'll continue for another four years. Overall, such an awesome game. Both teams should be proud to have participated in what was definitely the most exciting women's World Cup final ever, and one of the most exciting World Cup finals ever. |
The Following 2 Users Say Thank You to EnderD_503 For This Useful Post: |
07-17-2011, 09:07 PM | #30 |
Member
How Do You Identify?:
Femme Relationship Status:
rainbows! Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: NY
Posts: 466
Thanks: 303
Thanked 2,529 Times in 412 Posts
Rep Power: 12032609 |
Abby played the game she wanted to play, too bad it didn't win her the title.
I'm sad for the U.S, but it's hard not to be happy for Japan. And their goalie is a rockstar! Great, nail-biting game. |
The Following 2 Users Say Thank You to Heart For This Useful Post: |
07-18-2011, 02:04 PM | #31 |
Infamous Member
How Do You Identify?:
Woman Preferred Pronoun?:
HER - SHE Relationship Status:
Relating Join Date: Nov 2009
Location: CA & AZ I'm a Snowbird
Posts: 5,408
Thanks: 11,826
Thanked 10,828 Times in 3,200 Posts
Rep Power: 21474856 |
Nope, I can't be upset with Japan winning- but sure, I would have been super jazzed if the US won.
It was an exciting match! Now I have to get better with soccer strategy- I think I have the "bug!" |
07-18-2011, 10:03 PM | #32 |
Member
How Do You Identify?:
Queer, trans guy, butch Preferred Pronoun?:
Male pronouns Relationship Status:
Relationship Join Date: Apr 2010
Location: Canada
Posts: 1,329
Thanks: 4,090
Thanked 3,898 Times in 1,024 Posts
Rep Power: 21474852 |
Meh, I'm actually quite happy that Japan won and the US did not. Like I said before, I really like Wambach as a player and I certainly think she deserves to win a World Cup before she retires. She's a great athlete and one of my favourites to watch in the game and she deserves a lot of respect, but I also think that the kind of respect she gives opponents is lacking when it comes to many of the other American players (Rapinoe yelling typical American nationalist crap into the microphone, the team saluting the "good ol' boys" in the crowd, and past actions/comments etc. are all very unsportsmanlike, imo. I can't recall any team or player in professional men's or women's football pulling stunts like that. Confidence is one thing. Arrogance and disrespect is another). Some of her teammates could learn a lot from her. I think as football continues to grow in the US, they need to realise that some of the theatrics of American football and certain aspects of American culture...really don't transfer over well into an international sport like "the beautiful game" that is currently working to break down social barriers through sport. It's a whole different world.
That doesn't take away from their playing, for sure. Yes, they are a good team, just like Japan. They played a great game, just like Japan. That they are a talented team can't be denied. But I really hope that some of the players change those aspects of their attitudes. It really doesn't become them. |
07-19-2011, 10:44 AM | #33 |
Member
How Do You Identify?:
spiritually minded dirt dog Join Date: Nov 2009
Location: canada
Posts: 898
Thanks: 3,957
Thanked 2,595 Times in 663 Posts
Rep Power: 21474851 |
What a fantastic final game. A true nail biter. I was rooting for Japan the whole time!! The Japanese goalie was super fly fantastic!! My attention was most certainly held!!!
__________________
Do not follow where the path may lead.
Go instead where there is no path and leave a trail. Muriel Strode |
The Following User Says Thank You to foxyshaman For This Useful Post: |
07-19-2011, 01:51 PM | #34 |
Member
How Do You Identify?:
Queer, trans guy, butch Preferred Pronoun?:
Male pronouns Relationship Status:
Relationship Join Date: Apr 2010
Location: Canada
Posts: 1,329
Thanks: 4,090
Thanked 3,898 Times in 1,024 Posts
Rep Power: 21474852 |
|
The Following User Says Thank You to EnderD_503 For This Useful Post: |
Thread Tools | |
Display Modes | |
|
|