I never played soccer when I was at school. It was mainly played by Italians, Yugoslavs and Greeks but times have changed.

As for field hockey, women play it in the US I believe, but not men. Here it’s a major men’s sport as well and Australia is hoping to win a gold medal in Beijing.

It’s good to watch if you know the sport.

When I was little NOBODY played soccer — we’d have a week of it in gym class some years. I recall driving by the park when I was home from college break and seeing a few teams playing. Now it’s all over the place.