04/25/24
July 03, 2007
World Cup of American Football: : First U.S. national football team prepares for trip to Japan
posted by ursus_comiter to football at 01:54 PM - 6 comments
I'm surprised about Canada, too - but more surprised to read that Japan is the two-time champion. Interesting...
posted by bobfoot at 06:24 PM on July 03, 2007
If I remember rightly, Japan won the first one 6-0 with a touchdown in overtime. The Tight End who caught the pass, (I don't remember his name), had a brief but unsuccessful try-out with an NFL team, (I don't remember which one). I'm drowning you in detail, I know.
posted by Mr Bismarck at 03:52 AM on July 04, 2007
Whoa! Mr. Bismark!! Too much information there! :) Does this mean whoever wins this event can call themselves "World Champions"?
posted by steelergirl at 12:04 PM on July 04, 2007
steelergirl, they can call themselves anything they like, but I would strongly suggest that they not throw down the gauntlet to the NFL. American-style football has become popular in Japan over the past 20 years or so, and there are both an intercollegiate league and a "semi-pro" league there. The (Japan) collegiate championship game has been televised in Japan. The game will likely never prove as popular there as baseball, futbol, or even rugby.
posted by Howard_T at 12:12 PM on July 04, 2007
I know what you mean, Howard_T. But since the NFL is exclusively an "American" sport and the Super Bowl winner is not entitled to call themselves "World Champions" ;). I was just wondering. (yes, they were the "World Champion Pittsburgh Steelers" to me.)
posted by steelergirl at 09:34 AM on July 05, 2007
Six team tournament and not one of those teams is Canada? I can't figure that one out. Or is that Canada doesn't play American Football but, instead, plays Canadian Football?