SportsMANship?

KC’s Sports Scribe hasn’t reported on the World Game aka soccer (a variety of football) since 2009, when visiting St Pauli (Hamburg) played Kookynie Kickers at our outback stadium.

The prompt for this new outbreak of interest from your rugby-cultured correspondent is the current soccer mania manifest Down Under, as the Aussie team Matildas move into the Women’s World Cup quarter finals, to face France’s Les Bleus next Saturday.

Now, before we proceed to the analytical moment, readers should be warned that some old-fashioned stereotypes will be in use. While watching several matches involving the Matildas it became clear why it was actually far more enjoyable than watching men’s teams play.

When a Matilda or her opponent clashed and fell to the ground, they simply got up, dusted themselves off and got on with the game. No writhing around, holding legs, moaning or whinging. In stark contrast to the men’s game, full of theatrical, play-acting injury and histrionics, that make it hard to watch for those raised on other (stoic) football codes.

Ignoring the treacherous waters of sexist or sexual stereotypes, it struck me that in contrast to the accepted norm of male soccer players acting like ‘girls’ when physical contacts occurred, the women players were not acting at all, but playing stoically and yes, manfully! With an authentic spirit of modesty, resilience and respect for opponents and spectators (or sports fans these days).

Sport may be the new opium of the masses, and provide all sorts of entertainment and psychological benefits to fans, but the ideal of positive role models in sporting figures still seems worthwhile. And authenticity is a core value, which is eroded by male soccer thespianism.

Dare I go even further down the slippery slope and also confess that watching women play sport has a wonderful and admirable aesthetic, which is just different from watching men play. A celebration of our differences, for once. 

As for next Saturday, normally my Aussie tribal attachment would be tempered by a soft spot for an underdog, but as the two sides seem to have equal chances, I’m backing the local team: Go Matildas!