World Cup Etiquette: Ask First! Then Talk!

If you've followed soccer in the USA for any time, you've probably recorded a match shown live while you were at work. The idea is that you would go home and watch the match later. But sometimes that just doesn't work out right.


Imagine that you run into a fellow soccer buddy at the water cooler or supermarket or pick-up game. He screams out, "Did you see that goal by..." or "Awful stuff from the goalkeeper on that one..." That, typically, leads to your face flushing with anger, then frustration, then curiosity.

You hold back the curses, and only say, "Actually, I haven't watched it, yet. I recorded it to watch after work." That's followed by apologies on both sides and a split-second decision by you on whether the tidbit of intelligence shared with you was enough to ruin the viewing experience. If it isn't, nothing more is said. If it was a major detail of the match, you'll ask about the rest of the match, and just scan the recording you have at home unhappily.

However, the situation described above DOES NOT HAVE TO HAPPEN!!!

Why? Why?! Why didn't you ask if I've seen the game, yet???!!!

Let's all take a vow, as World Cup soccer fans, to not speak a word about any game until we have asked the crucial question, "Have you seen the game, yet?"

If the answer to that question is "yes" and there is no one within earshot that has not seen the game, feel free to discuss the crappy play by the English center half, or the idiotic substitution from the USA coach, or the blatant dive from the Italian forward.

If the answer to that question is "no", say no more. Do not say one word about the game! Any minute detail could ruin the match for your buddy. The next time you see him, you'll be able to gab about whatever you'd like with him, but right now you need to shut up.

It's just good World Cup etiquette.

Speaking of the WC, you may not have to miss those live games after all.

Univision will be streaming all matches live and for FREE on their website. So, you don't have to miss the games live. You can watch at work, if your firewall doesn't block it. Just remember not to scream "Goooooooooooooooal!" when Andres Cantor does. :)

Enjoy the World Cup. Remember your good manners and ASK FIRST!!!