Sports

So last night was the big World Cup qualifier match between Germany and Russia. There were lots of people on the street yesterday, selling Russian flags and celebrating before the match. There were lots of police out too, and instead of carrying their usual batons and pistols, they all had automatic weapons. I tried to stay inside, as to avoid all the rowdy crowds. I contemplated going to the game, but tickets were 3000 rubles ($100) and up. I am just not THAT interested in soccer. I couldn't watch it, but watched the highlights. Russia lost, and now will have to fight for a play-off berth to go to the 2010 World Cup in South Africa.
Not to rag on Russia, but no one likes soccer in the US, and we still won our division and qualified for the World Cup. Even North Korea Qualified! Soccer is the most popular sport here, and they still could not qualify. Now, granted, the European divisions may be harder, but the US still beat teams such as Mexico, Costa Rica, etc., where soccer is very popular.
I've also noticed that American Hockey is very popular here. I don't know if they even have a Russian hockey league, as everyone seems to follow the NHL.
Tennis is also not very popular, even though there are many great tennis players from Russia.
And, of course, no one cares about American Football. You can watch NHL Hockey here in Russia on Russian television, but not NCAA or NFL football.