Listen to the excerpts from the radio show. Fill in the numbered blanks with the missing words.
JANE: That is the sound of soccer, the world’s favorite sport. Of course, soccer is still not very ___________ in the U.S. But with the Internet and satellite TV, the world is getting smaller, and today, Americans can see that people all over the world really 17. love this game! To understand why people outside the U.S. love soccer so much, we went to Paolinho’s Pizza Restaurant in Minneapolis, Minnesota, to watch the first match of World Cup soccer.
JANE: Hello. What is your name, and where are you from?
GILBERTO: I’m Gilberto, and I am from ____________
JANE: Why do you like soccer, Gilberto?
GILBERTO: Why? Ha! That is not even a question in Brazil. Soccer is our life. It is an art. It’s like music. Does anyone ever ask you, “Why do you like music?”
JANE: Well, no…
GILBERTO: Well, soccer is the same. You know, Pele, the ____________ Brazilian soccer player?
JANE: Sure, he…
GILBERTO: He called soccer “The Beautiful Game” Why? Because when the ball flies through the air, it’s beautiful, and when the player ___________ into the air, it’s like he’s flying – like a bird or a dancer. And when he heads the ball or kicks it across the field into the goal, it is simple and beautiful. It is perfect. It is like a …
Transcript
Goooal!
It’s a goal!
Gooooal!
JANE: That is the sound of soccer, the world’s favorite sport. Of course, soccer is still not very popular in the U.S. But with the Internet and satellite TV, the world is getting smaller, and today, Americans can see that people all over the world really love this game! To understand why people outside the U.S. love soccer so much, we went to Paolinho’s Pizza Restaurant in Minneapolis, Minnesota, to watch the first match of World Cup soccer.
JANE: Hello. What is your name, and where are you from?
GILBERTO: I’m Gilberto, and I am from Brazil.
JANE: Why do you like soccer, Gilberto?
GILBERTO: Why? Ha! That is not even a question in Brazil. Soccer is our life. It is an art. It’s like music. Does anyone ever ask you, “Why do you like music?”
JANE: Well, no …
GILBERTO: [With enthusiasm] Well, soccer is the same. You know, Pele, the famous Brazilian soccer player?
JANE: Sure, he . . .
GILBERTO: He called soccer “The Beautiful Game” Why? Because when the ball flies through the air, it’s beautiful, and when the player jumps into the air, it’s like he’s flying – like a bird or a dancer. And when he heads the ball or kicks it across the field into the goal, it is simple and beautiful. It is perfect. It is like a ..
JANE: [Interrupting] Thank you, Gilberto. And what about you, sir? What’s your name and where are you from?
ERNESTO: I’m Ernesto from Mexico City.
JANE: And why do you like soccer, Ernesto?
ERNESTO: I don’t LIKE soccer. I LOVE soccer! And look at all these people here they all love it, too.
JANE: Yes, but why?
ERNESTO: Because soccer is like an international language. I come here to watch soccer with these soccer fans from all over the world. For example, I don’t know this guy’s name here. What’s your name?
ANDERS: Anders.
ERNESTO: Yes, Anders, he’s from Germany. And I don’t really know him, but today we both want the team from Italy to win. You see, I’m Mexican, he’s German, but we both love soccer. It’s like there are really only two countries: the country that loves soccer and the country that doesn’t understand.
ANDERS: [Laughing] That’s the United States – the country that doesn’t understand!
JANE: Well, we’re trying! That’s why I’m talking to you today! Anders, Ernesto said you’re from Germany?
ANDERS: Yes, and this is my friend, Marta. She’s from Spain.
JANE: Hi, Marta.
MARTA: Hello.
JANE: What do you like about soccer?
ANDERS: Soccer is a sport for everyone. You don’t need a lot of special things to play it. You just need a ball and a goal. It’s simple. So everyone can play soccer.
MARTA: Yes, and also, everyone can understand soccer – not like American football. You have to read books to understand all of the rules in American football! Soccer is simpler, and it’s also more exciting to watch.
JANE: So there are a few reasons that people love soccer. If you still don’t understand, go and watch a match at a restaurant like Paolinho’s. You might become a fan! With The Sports File, this is Jane Tuttle.
