Why people hate soccer is a mystery. The haters continuously say, "It's a sport for people with no strength," "It's too long and boring," and "It's just a bunch of fairies running around." Now that's just funny to hear, because it takes tremendous skill to get where the pros go.

We're all entitled to have opinions; however, if us soccer fans were to talk smack on other sports, whether it's football, baseball or basketball, their fans get defensive and act like their sport is the best in the world.

Now don't get me wrong; I love basketball. It's my favorite sport aftersoccer. Soccer is easily the world's sport. I don't want to get off at being biased against baseball and football, even though I can't really watch either sport without getting bored.

But that's not the point of this article. See, the topic of this article is to point out why us, the soccer fans, love the sport. Now here are the seven reasons why we love this game.

7. FIFA Soccer Video Game

1 OF 7 I'm positive that 90 percent of young soccer fans play this game. We control the outcome of the match.

FIFA is a major reason why I began to watch soccer more frequently as a young boy. Not only is it entertaining, but it can teach so much about soccer.

Of course, it isn't the best method of teaching how to play the sport; nonetheless, you know what defensive transitions to make, when you should send a cross into the box and when to capitalize on a shot.

Whether you're playing with a friend, enemy or someone you met online, it's a great way to have fun and enjoy the best sport in the world.

6. Matchups

2 OF 7 Big games are one of the reasons why we watch soccer. It creates great debates and great fun. We're always trying to find out who the superior team is, and we're destined to be right.

Whether it's Brazil against Argentina or Manchester United versus Chelsea, we don't want our team to lose. Not only that, but these big matches tend to be something special that everyone can enjoy. Especially games in which we have Lionel Messi square off against Cristiano Ronaldo.

Big games usually have big expectations, and the teams can usually deliver.

5. You Were Raised Watching It

3 OF 7 If your parents loved the sport, than it's obvious that your pops or mother would love to introduce the great sport into your world. As a kid, you were probably more into the old episodes of "SpongeBob Squarepants" or the old, good cartoons on Disney Channel. Sports probably were the last thing on your mind. Then, out of nowhere, your dad changes the channel, and you're watching the team you will later be rooting for in three years. In disgust, you throw a fit and whine to your dad until he changes the channel. He does otherwise, and just ignores you. You end up watching the entire game, still angry at the fact you didn't get to watch your cartoon. After that experience, you probably began to like the sport a little bit. Then, as your dad continuously puts on the games, you begin to watch them with him. He then decides you're old enough to make the next step into soccer, which leads up to our next slide.

4. You Played or Still Play the Sport

4 OF 7 Your dad decides to explain the rules, and puts you on a team with a bunch of kids you have never met. That's why soccer is also so great. You can make long-lasting friendships as well.

Anyway, you play the game, and you just continue to play and play until you're old and gray. At least that's how most people live.

Everyone who plays soccer probably wants to grow up and be the same thing: a professional soccer player. By playing and watching the sport, you can grow up and make that dream a reality.

3. Pride

5 OF 7 Pride for your team is sticking with them, no matter what happens. Pride is not changing teams because that team has the highest chance of winning (I'm looking at you, bandwagon Miami Heat fans!). Pride is trusting your team. Whatever it is, you show pride in your team by supporting them through good and bad times. I love my teams, Club America and the Los Angeles Lakers. So whenever somebody disrespects them, I get angry. And I'm pretty sure most fans do the same with their team. It's the pride we have for our team. It's the thing that separates us from casual fans. Even if your team had a horrible season or performance in a game, you will always support that club.

2. The World Cup

6 OF 7 This is something that brings a country together every four years. Even though there are a bunch of friendlies and other tournaments that your club can win, this is the one we are always hoping to capture. The World Cup symbolizes that your country is the best at soccer in the world. It's the number one thing to look forward to when it comes to sports, in my opinion. Forget the Super Bowl, the World Cup's outcome tells who is the best in the world. If your team is the best in the world, you have been entitled to brag. Humiliating your opponents is unsportsmanlike, but the pride in you says otherwise.

1. The Sport Itself

7 OF 7 The sport itself is beautiful. Anyone can play the sport. It doesn't matter if you're scrawny and 5'2". It doesn't matter if you're 6'7" and have biceps the size of my head. It's such a great game for anyone to play. You don't even need proper equipment. You can play at the beach, with a volleyball, barefoot, and have your goalposts be two backpacks. You can play by yourself, just by juggling the ball. It's easily the world's sport, other than America. Which is a true shame because most people are so ignorant that they take soccer as just "another" sport. That is the biggest lie I could ever hear. It's not just a game, it's a passion. Sports change us as humans. They can break down the barriers of language, race, creed and color. We can all enjoy sports together, regardless of what separates us as people. Nothing has demonstrated the equality sports can provide more than soccer. Let me know what you guys think! Is soccer your favorite sport? Because it is mine. Thanks for the read Bleachers!

Source: https://bleacherreport.com

If you like this article, Follow us on FACEBOOK and INSTAGRAM and PINTEREST!