Not having taken an interest in (soccer) football since my time in England fifty years ago where I watched the greatest world soccer stars play, including Manchester United at Old Trafford, and at Wembley Stadium when seating was a circle of two by six boards painted British green.

It is with regret that after watching several games of the 2026 World Cup I must express my disappointment in what has become an often brutal game of fouls.

When I watched the game played in the sixties early seventies it was regarded as ‘A NON CONTACT SPORT’, today players are allowed no more than a second on the ball before being brought down by a ruthless tackle!

The will to win at all costs has defeated the purpose of the brilliant game that was Soccer.

The Best of Every Nation

For those who have studied the greats of the game, like Pelé and Puskás, both of whom I watched play at Wembley in an England Versus the Rest of The World game, and the great George Best playing his very first game for Manchester United, the brilliant art of the game was tremendous.

Back then the long kick down the field with a dramatic play for a goal, or the long dribble down the wing by Best stopping to encourage the opposition to come take the ball away from him, often concluding his play with a goal, was really something to watch!

The method of the game has been changed to a boring long series of passes in a slow movement, often leading back to the team’s goalie! This has greatly detracted from the excitement of the game.

The Late Fifties Early Sixties

I remember attending games in Australia where my brother John played, with clubs made up of European nationalities.

It amused me when those least skilled in the game would argue after being blown up for a foul, or would want to fight another player after attempting to use muscle in order to win, this was swiftly dealt with back then by the referee.

Today fouls are often disregarded, with only the worst of offenses being ticketed and very few being sent off the field!

I Watched In Shock

I watched in shock as the man on the ball was brought down by a push in the back using both hands, another being grabbed from behind by both shoulders, and by hanging onto a players shirt in order to keep him away from the ball!

I have been told that this kind of dirty play is ignored to allow the game to be speeded up, rather than making it clear to the players from the outset of the game that this kind of contact will not be tolerated!

Getting rid of this bad behavior would allow each player to demonstrate his skill without fear of injury.

This generation could experience the enjoyment the British crowds did WATCHING NON CONTACT SAFE SOCCER.

Bringing Football to America

This year’s World Cup played in the US, Canada, and Mexico has certainly generated the American people’s interest in the game, with over twenty million tuning in for some games.

I thought I would never see this in the US with sports being dominated by Baseball and American Football.

I am also pleased to hear reports of those visiting express their love of the country, from their enjoyment of the fast food chains to being impressed with the friendliness of the American people, and with the Scottish supporters running the city of Boston out of beer!

Having lived in the US for fifty years, I must say I have always been treated really well by the American people.

Thank You America!

BRIAN

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