American football, basketball and baseball have millions of followers, but they can't match soccer for sheer excitement, says a team of scientists.

The reason is its element of surprise, claim researchers from Los Alamos National Laboratory in New Mexico, US.

Football is more likely to produce an unexpected result, such as a "giant killer" win in the FA Cup.

Scientists analysed results from more than 300,000 games played over the past century.

They reviewed five sports: ice hockey, football, baseball and basketball in the US, and English football.

The team decided to make unpredictability - how often a leading team is overcome by an opponent with a worse record - the best measure of how exciting a league is.

"If there are no upsets, then every game is predictable and hence boring," co-author Eli Ben-Naim told New Scientist magazine.

The results of the analysis showed that the "upset frequency" was highest for soccer, followed by baseball, hockey, and basketball. American football came last on the list, and so was labelled the least exciting sport.

But there was a twist in the tail.

When the scientists looked only at data from the past 10 years, English Premiership football and baseball swapped places.

One interpretation of the finding might be that soccer has become more predictable in recent years.


researchers from Los Alamos National Laboratory in New Mexico, US (http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/sci/tech/4581374.stm)

I think that's a contradiction. If sooo many upsets occur, then is they're really a strong favorite? I think that's why I love Football (american) that much more. I might believe I've got a lockdown on who's going to win... but then when the unexpected team wins it's huge because you never saw it coming. And even games in which a team is favored to win, it's usually not by a large margin so games are still close in which 1 play can change the result of the game.

I think that's a contradiction. If sooo many upsets occur, then is they're really a strong favorite? I think that's why I love Football (american) that much more. I might believe I've got a lockdown on who's going to win... but then when the unexpected team wins it's huge because you never saw it coming. And even games in which a team is favored to win, it's usually not by a large margin so games are still close in which 1 play can change the result of the game.

But this is exactly what the yank reseachers are saying doesn't happen very much in American football.

But this is exactly what the yank reseachers are saying doesn't happen very much in American football.

You misunderstood my point. Because an upset is a less common occurance, when it happens it's a big ****ing deal. If all of the soccer teams are getting upset frequently, then there really is not many favorites. However, in football if the Colts were to suddenly lose to the Browns it would be a huuuuge deal.

It's basic psychology actually, in rewards over time and incriments. An upset is a reward to the fan. If upsets occur often, the fan becomes spoiled and over time loses taste for it and needs something better. If the upsets occur much more seldomly, then each one is that much more sweet.

You misunderstood my point. Because an upset is a less common occurance, when it happens it's a big ****ing deal. If all of the soccer teams are getting upset frequently, then there really is not many favorites. However, in football if the Colts were to suddenly lose to the Browns it would be a huuuuge deal.

It's basic psychology actually, in rewards over time and incriments. An upset is a reward to the fan. If upsets occur often, the fan becomes spoiled and over time loses taste for it and needs something better. If the upsets occur much more seldomly, then each one is that much more sweet.

Ok. I think I can see where you're coming with this.

...In the USA it's still a sport for little fella's that can't make the real sports teams. Hell, take team USA(ranked in the top ten internationaly), or our pro teams and compare those guys to elite athletes in our other sports. Soccer players are shorter, smaller, slower, and weaker than other athletes in major professional sports. I just can't get to into a sport composed of runts and second tier athletes. There seems to be no evolution of size in soccer. What is the everage soccer players size? Like 5'8 and 160 or so? A sport for chumps and pseudo athletes IMO. No offense intended of course. :)

...In the USA it's still a sport for little fella's that can't make the real sports teams. Hell, take team USA(ranked in the top ten internationaly), or our pro teams and compare those guys to elite athletes in our other sports. Soccer players are shorter, smaller, slower, and weaker than other athletes in major professional sports. I just can't get to into a sport composed of runts and second tier athletes. There seems to be no evolution of size in soccer. What is the everage soccer players size? Like 5'8 and 160 or so? A sport for chumps and pseudo athletes IMO. No offense intended of course. :)
only a white trash living in the south would say that.

You misunderstood my point. Because an upset is a less common occurance, when it happens it's a big ****ing deal. If all of the soccer teams are getting upset frequently, then there really is not many favorites. However, in football if the Colts were to suddenly lose to the Browns it would be a huuuuge deal.

It's basic psychology actually, in rewards over time and incriments. An upset is a reward to the fan. If upsets occur often, the fan becomes spoiled and over time loses taste for it and needs something better. If the upsets occur much more seldomly, then each one is that much more sweet.
I agree with this article to a point because of the sports they compared but if you added boxing to the list what would happen then, I mean look at how many upsets we have had in the past year, never mind the past century.
So this scientist says Boxing is by far the most exciting sports.

only a white trash living in the south would say that.


....Only people living in the South tell the truth then? You must be a little soccer ***.

just to let you know the average weight and height is 6 feet 180 so there goes your stupid logic. I guess Steve Nash, Speedy Claxton, the little guy on the nuggets are ****ty athletes because they are smaller.

just to let you know the average weight and height is 6 feet 180 so there goes your stupid logic. I guess Steve Nash, Speedy Claxton, the little guy on the nuggets are ****ty athletes because they are smaller.


...Oh yeah, lets see the stats on that then? It's still much smaller than athletes in other major sports but I doubt seriously that your figures are correct.

...In the USA it's still a sport for little fella's that can't make the real sports teams. Hell, take team USA(ranked in the top ten internationaly), or our pro teams and compare those guys to elite athletes in our other sports. Soccer players are shorter, smaller, slower, and weaker than other athletes in major professional sports. I just can't get to into a sport composed of runts and second tier athletes. There seems to be no evolution of size in soccer. What is the everage soccer players size? Like 5'8 and 160 or so? A sport for chumps and pseudo athletes IMO. No offense intended of course. :)


Glut of large NFL linemen has become a weighty issue (http://home.hamptonroads.com/stories/story.cfm?story=91089&ran=15843)

Chewing the fat: NFL's weight problem (http://msn.foxsports.com/nfl/story/3431020)

Trust me, footballers are some of the fittest athletes in the world. You dont run around the pitch for over 90 minutes for nothing. NFL players get a breather ever 12 seconds.

eh white trash sporty at 40 ***, your logic was already exposed as being stupid. You're saying that because NFLers or NBAers are bigger then the rest then they are better athletes. So Minute Bol is a better athlete then let's say Pele or Maradona? I've asked a former coach in the premiership what the average size is and he said 6 feet 180 (about beckham's size), i guess your redneck american white trash couldnt figure that out. i will find the statistics later redneck.

I liked the part on slower. You don't see fat asses playing high level soccer like you see fat *****es playing football.

eh white trash sporty at 40 ***, your logic was already exposed as being stupid. You're saying that because NFLers or NBAers are bigger then the rest then they are better athletes. So Minute Bol is a better athlete then let's say Pele or Maradona? I've asked a former coach in the premiership what the average size is and he said 6 feet 180 (about beckham's size), i guess your redneck american white trash couldnt figure that out. i will find the statistics later redneck.

Two of the greatest footballers to grace the sport. Soon to be joined by Ronaldinho.

...http://www.ussoccer.com/teams/teamhome_custom.sps?iType=267&icustompageid=7074&mtype=8216


....This is a link to the USA 2004 soccer squad. Only about 4 o5 guys weigh 180 or more and they have tons of dudes that are like 145 lbs. 6'0 and 180 is not even close to the average and it's probably more like 160. Just like I said.

You're extremely short-sighted with your knowledge my friend. I guess you're just going from your "american" standpoint. truth be told, your a ****ing idiot. Have you ever watched a soccer game, or even played the sport? There is a certain technique and skill to the sport that you never see in ANY other sport. Take a look at Thierry Henry, if he was living in USA and played american football I bet he would be one of the best athletes out there. Just because your small does not mean your a ****ty athlete dumb ****. And of course you have to look at the US Squad u nutjob.

I liked the part on slower. You don't see fat asses playing high level soccer like you see fat *****es playing football.


...Those fat *****es(weighing 250 pounds and playing middle linebacker in the NFL) could outrun a soccer *** with a bad ACL.

...http://www.ussoccer.com/teams/teamhome_custom.sps?iType=267&icustompageid=7074&mtype=8216


....This is a link to the USA 2004 soccer squad. Only about 4 o5 guys weigh 180 or more and they have tons of dudes that are like 145 lbs. 6'0 and 180 is not even close to the average and it's probably more like 160. Just like I said.
a lot of those guys are not short though. anyway, soccer players are world class athletes, whether or not you like the sport, that has to be accepted.

team usa isnt all that impressive a team

and why canth they just call themselves what the rest of the world calls them? usa?

we dont call our team the three lions as we dont need to emphasise talent by giving them nicknames to remind people theyre good enough to represent our country

the average footballer is about 6ft 180 not that it matters as ricky hatton is much smaller yet hardly a runt

slow??? i think not

nowadays pace is one of the key attributes in most positions

michael owen in by no means the fastest player yet he could run 100m in under 10s by the time he was 18...and hes only about 5'8"

a lot of those guys are not short though. anyway, soccer players are world class athletes, whether or not you like the sport, that has to be accepted.


...What makes them world class athletes? The best athletes in this country stop playing soccer very early and move on to other "real" sports. Take the average soccer player and pit him against the average professional athlete in all the other major sports and the athleticism isn't even close. It "is" definitely a sport for the lesser athlete in this country and there is no getting around it. Anyone who lives in the USA and disputes this fact is kidding themselves. If we sent our premier athletes into soccer we would completely dominate.

a lot of those guys are not short though. anyway, soccer players are world class athletes, whether or not you like the sport, that has to be accepted.

That is very very true. pds is clouded by his hate of soccer. Period.

slow??? i think not

nowadays pace is one of the key attributes in most positions

michael owen in by no means the fastest player yet he could run 100m in under 10s by the time he was 18...and hes only about 5'8"
I think you mean under 11 secs, but it's still fast.

LOL, I love this rednecks logic.

It's obvious you havent been involved with sports because you're talking out of your ass like usual. I like football but soccer takes much more skill and technique, and you can't just be a FAT 350 lber and make the team just because your a fat kid. There's a certain skill level to it that is unmatched by every single sport including football. What skill is in football? The O-line blocks D-line from getting to the QB, the QB takes hits and throws, and wide receivers/RB usually get 1 big play that's exciting during the game and the rest are BORING.

I'm sorry...I just canmt get up for a sport that glorifies FAT KIDS.

...What makes them world class athletes? The best athletes in this country stop playing soccer very early and move on to other "real" sports. Take the average soccer player and pit him against the average professional athlete in all the other major sports and the athleticism isn't even close. It "is" definitely a sport for the lesser athlete in this country and there is no getting around it. Anyone who lives in the USA and disputes this fact is kidding themselves. If we sent our premier athletes into soccer we would completely dominate.

LOL, you hve proved to be a ****ing MORON!!! Soccer isn't just how strong/fast you are like all of your 'american' sports are.

USA is so biased its funny. Who outside of USA really plays football/baseball?? IDIOT>.........

Glut of large NFL linemen has become a weighty issue (http://home.hamptonroads.com/stories/story.cfm?story=91089&ran=15843)

Chewing the fat: NFL's weight problem (http://msn.foxsports.com/nfl/story/3431020)

Trust me, footballers are some of the fittest athletes in the world. You dont run around the pitch for over 90 minutes for nothing. NFL players get a breather ever 12 seconds.

...Offensive and defensive lineman. So ****ing what?? Linebackers, DB's, Recievers, Tight ends, and Running backs that weigh much more than the average soccer player are much more agile and a **** of alot faster. In fact, tons of those defensive linemen that are labeled as fat would easily outrun tons of those soccer pro's.

not much athleticism is involved in american football

and before you say anything i LIKE the sport

played it in primary school and our team never lost a game

soccertakes skill as you use your feet for control which is unnatural

you should wathc what rooney ronaldo ronaldinho come up with, its crazy

or the old nike 3 person tournament ads

...What makes them world class athletes? The best athletes in this country stop playing soccer very early and move on to other "real" sports.

.
Well that may well be the case in the US, seeing as it's about the 13th most popular sport, but it's certainly not the case on a world level.

LOL, you hve proved to be a ****ing MORON!!! Soccer isn't just how strong/fast you are like all of your 'american' sports are.

USA is so biased its funny. Who outside of USA really plays football/baseball?? IDIOT>.........


...You can whine all you want but right now our soccer team is competitive with the rest of the world and highly regarded and nobody over here really gives a ****. It will never be a mainstream sport and it will never ever ever attract the best athletes. If we can hold our own with the second tier athletes that compete now then what do you think it would be like if we had our best playing? You may not like what I'm saying but it's the truth. Sorry.

Well that may well be the case in the US, seeing as it's about the 13th most popular sport, but it's certainly not the case on a world level.


...I hear ya. Still, our premier athletes are not paying soccer and if they were then it would be scary. Our best athletes do not choose soccer as a first, second or even third sport sport to play. That's just a fact bro.

...You can whine all you want but right now our soccer team is competitive with the rest of the world and highly regarded and nobody over here really gives a ****. It will never be a mainstream sport and it will never ever ever attract the best athletes. If we can hold our own with the second tier athletes that compete now then what do you think it would be like if we had our best playing? You may not like what I'm saying but it's the truth. Sorry.

the team isnt respected worldwide

most people consider usa a soft touch and like to beat them to end such arrogance as this

That is very very true. pds is clouded by his hate of soccer. Period.


...I played it in my youth for several years and liked it alot. I was as good as anyone on the field and enjoyed myself. I also played football, basketball, and baseball. When you get into your teens then soccer becomes and after thought. I will watch the world cup with much interest. I watch Olympic soccer as well and follow it very closely. I just don't track the professional teams here and could give a **** if it isn't the olympics or World cup. Everyone else feels pretty much the same way.

the team isnt respected worldwide

most people consider usa a soft touch and like to beat them to end such arrogance as this


...Team USA is and should be respected and if they aren't then it's just a case of jealousy. They are highly ranked and highly regarded. I wouldn't be surprised to see them win the world cup either. I would laugh my ****ing ass off if that happened.

...I hear ya. Still, our premier athletes are not paying soccer and if they were then it would be scary. Our best athletes do not choose soccer as a first, second or even third sport sport to play. That's just a fact bro.
Well i'm not arguing with that, i just strongly disagreed with your comments about soccer players not being elite athletes etc, and being physically small and weak. I think they're overpaid *******s, but i still respect that they're top class athletes and performers.

Well i'm not arguing with that, i just strongly disagreed with your comments about soccer players not being elite athletes etc, and being physically small and weak. I think they're overpaid *******s, but i still respect that they're top class athletes and performers.


...That's cool man and I didn't mean to disrespect a sport that you love. I probably got a little carried away but I think I had a valid point to an extent.

...Team USA is and should be respected and if they aren't then it's just a case of jealousy. They are highly ranked and highly regarded. I wouldn't be surprised to see them win the world cup either. I would laugh my ****ing ass off if that happened.

if you look at the rankings system you will notice flaws

also the truth of the matter is everyone is surprised when they see usa highly ranked

theyre percieved as being on scotlands level

btw...i like the usa as a country in terms of people politics etc in cas you think there is bias

if you look at the rankings system you will notice flaws

also the truth of the matter is everyone is surprised when they see usa highly ranked

theyre percieved as being on scotlands level

btw...i like the usa as a country in terms of people politics etc in cas you think there is bias


.....And I like most of the Brits on this site and the country as well. Your gonna be on the Scottish **** list in a minute here. Good thing we don't have too many Scots posting.

I may not like soccer all to much but I will agree with whoever said that soccer players are world class athletes. To run around for 90 minutes takes some serious lung power which 90% of us couldnt do. Sure they may be small, stocky or just plain skinny bastards but they are in shape and are athletic.

I think the only reason why people disagree with soccer is because they are not giants and all roided up like in other sports such as football and baseball. I mean look at some boxers for instance, they are 100 lbs and up and they are world champions in that weight class, they are not too big but yet they are world class athletes, so soccer players should be considered world class as well.

I may not like soccer all to much but I will agree with whoever said that soccer players are world class athletes. To run around for 90 minutes takes some serious lung power which 90% of us couldnt do. Sure they may be small, stocky or just plain skinny bastards but they are in shape and are athletic.

I think the only reason why people disagree with soccer is because they are not giants and all roided up like in other sports such as football and baseball. I mean look at some boxers for instance, they are 100 lbs and up and they are world champions in that weight class, they are not too big but yet they are world class athletes, so soccer players should be considered world class as well.


...alright, I can agree that they should be labeled world class athletes and maybe that was a bit harsh. However, they are not our best athletes by a long shot and anyone who knows anything about sports is aware of that?

.....And I like most of the Brits on this site and the country as well. Your gonna be on the Scottish **** list in a minute here. Good thing we don't have too many Scots posting.

i got some scot rellies i think but it dont matter...theyre like the illuminati over here and it really annoys me

...That's cool man and I didn't mean to disrespect a sport that you love. .
I don't really love it to be honest, but i can respect the effort and skill that goes into it.

I think that the crux of the matter is that the USA is a team sports backwater and emphasise different things in their sports to the rest of the world.

if pbds is going to go by that logic then zab judah and floyd mayweather are ****ty athletes because they weigh arond 147.