\”As promised, this week’s newsletter has been designed as a monument to late-stage capitalism, in that the writing of it has largely been outsourced, but I am still taking credit for it. There are two issues, however, that arose perhaps a little too late in soccer’s month of festivities but which nevertheless warrant our attention.
The first issue is the departure of Gareth Southgate after eight years as England manager. During his tenure, he achieved great success while navigating the absurd political and social expectations placed on the role. One aspect often overlooked is the element of boredom. Southgate’s quiet and drama-free leadership was a source of frustration for many, as England is not accustomed to having a successful national team without scandal and outrage.
The second, more serious issue, stems from the chaos surrounding the final of the Copa América. The appalling scenes in Miami highlighted the organizational failures of the tournament, with security breakdowns and ticketless fans creating havoc outside the stadium. It is essential to hold event organizers accountable for ensuring a safe and secure environment for all attendees.
Moving on to reader questions:
1. How do you think Euro 2024 will be remembered? – Bracken Godfrey
Euro 2024 will likely be remembered as a significant tournament that marked the emergence of new talent in the sport. While the soccer may not have always been thrilling, players like Kobbie Mainoo, Arda Guler, and Lamine Yamal showcased their potential on the international stage.
2. Is it time to rethink midyear tournaments and breaks to address player fatigue? – Bob Leon
Player fatigue has been a recurring issue in major tournaments, and exploring alternative scheduling options could be beneficial. While traditional breaks may not be sufficient, considering midseason tournaments or breaks could help alleviate the strain on players.
3. How can soccer address the imbalance between high-quality teams and those with a more energetic playing style? – Tony Bankston
Finding a solution to level the playing field between experienced teams and those with a high work rate is challenging. Unlimited substitutions or larger rosters may be considered in the future to address this imbalance, though it may fundamentally change the nature of the game.
4. How can European soccer better engage with events like the Copa América? – Pablo Echeverri
European soccer’s focus on its own tournaments often sidelines events like the Copa América. Scheduling conflicts and lack of interest in non-European competitions contribute to this disconnect. Conmebol could explore better timing for games to appeal to a wider audience outside of South America.
5. What is your take on the high ticket prices at the Copa América compared to Euro 2024? – Andrzej Franks
The disparity in ticket prices between the Copa América and Euro 2024 reflects different market strategies. While Conmebol may justify high prices based on demand, it risks alienating fans and limiting accessibility to the event. Finding a balance between revenue generation and fan engagement is crucial for the long-term success of soccer tournaments.\”