Soccer matches on TV

Do we need so many live TV broadcasts of soccer matches? SCTV had three such costly broadcasts over the weekend of April 4 and April 5, all from England. Maybe these matches in the run-up to the F.A. Cup final are important for certain fans, but for the average TV viewer, even with an interest in soccer, they do not satisfy. There is really too much soccer on TV over the weekends. Many people would, perhaps, like to see good films instead.

I for one did not find that the matches were of adequate quality to make them interesting. It was really not worthwhile to sit out the palpably lengthy games in which the ball just went from foot to foot, often to an enemy's foot. As usual, there was a lot of kicking and rushing (a main characteristic of English soccer) but there was rarely a sensible display of good soccer play which should characterize better games. Sure, there were some famous names around, but this did not guarantee an enjoyable game to watch.

Cannot our TV stations change their choice of what is worthwhile to watch in the world of soccer? I would prefer to see more domestic soccer games on TV. They could be more interesting than (shifting to soccer on the Continent) just waiting for Ronaldo to break loose and shoot on goal. Actually Ronaldo's talented fellow countryman Denilson is more interesting because he is the true embodiment of Brazilian soccer. Where is he now? Still in Brazil or perhaps in Spain? When he makes the Brazilian squad in the World Cup it will be worthwhile to follow his moves.

Speaking of the World Cup, which takes place less than three months from now, I think SCTV, RCTI and ANteve should give more attention to the participating countries. Their weekly programs of live telecasts hardly give information on the teams that stand a good chance of reaching the quarter finals: Morocco, Nigeria, Tunisia, South Africa, Norway, Denmark, Rumania, South Korea and Jamaica.

There is saturation in watching week after week soccer players from England (SCTV), Italy (RCTI) and Spain (ANteve). Apparently the stations can afford paying for live coverage despite the monetary crisis in Indonesia. Is it not better to save some of the money by having delayed telecasts of the games, which come cheaper? The money saved can be used for other sports or for a general improvement of other programs.

S. HARMONO

Jakarta