For many, I am sure it was the chance to see Beckham and oh yes, there were other guys on the field as well. It was no doubt the rock-star power that brought them in, but for most the excitement for the game is real. It was a chance for some of the more than 70,000 kids in Minnesota who play soccer to see the most recognized player in their sport.
As I looked out to the crowd, it was a that appeared that each adult needed to be accompanied by a child, or even better yet, by two and that each child needed to wear their team jersey.
There were boys’ teams, who were out-numbered by the girls’ teams and hundreds from Bangu Tsunami team from St. Paul.
Beckham did not disappoint anyone in the crowd. He played 75 minutes, he signed autographs after the game and even gave his jersey to young girl in the crowd.
Compared to what I have been accustomed to shooting at the World Cup, the game wasn’t particularly physical, but after all, it is an exhibition game. Beckham moved around the field effortlessly. When he did get a touch on the ball, his accuracy was amazing. His passing was precisely positioned to another player. His corner kicks were waiting to be capitalized. There is a reason he takes the corner kicks and the free kicks, and it is not his celebrity status.
In the end, it was a night to celebrate soccer. It was a night for the kids to see their hero.
My World Cup blog and our Portrait of Passion website is all about women’s soccer. If it is good for soccer, it is good for women’s soccer.
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