Yeah, that surprised me that, when I saw it, but there was definitely more to that tournament than a goal fest, Many close games was one thing that made it special. I think there was also a sense of occasion.
The intro music was iconic, the iconic presenters of our time, the players had character (like Milla's dancing), the emergence of African nations, the mascot looked cool. Me running home to be able to see the semi final penalties after my parents allowed me to watch extra time at my mates, but had to be home even if it went to penalties (and then subsequently crying myself to sleep
). I also still vividly remember getting home from school for the first game, grabbing a home made ice pop, seeing the San Siro in half sun and then the result made it extra special, it just seemed magical.Anyway, dreamy reminiscing aside, FIFA and other footballing bodies have just saturated the market now. I just don't see that magic anymore. I don't get the sense of occasion, maybe for a long time. I have enjoyed most World Cups but it has been steadily getting worse.
This year it is the perfect storm, corruption to the nth degree, too many matches (a lot are going to very one sided), the enabling of Fascism, problems in Mexico, high prices, doubts over certain fans even being allowed into the country, the list just goes on.
) but the buzz isn't there for me as in the past.
