| Whether it's called football or soccer, every corner of the globe professes a love of 'the beautiful game'. Why is the sport so revered? Scholars of the game might mention the artistry and endless opportunity for creativity but most people will point out that it's a very simple game to organize. Something to kick and somewhere to kick it are the requirements, and beyond that everything is merely detail - whether you play at the Santiago Bernabéu or in the backyard.
Of course it's nice to have a little bit more than an empty soda can and a couple of jumpers, and as the level rises, so the quantity of equipment grows, and no one playing against opponents with studded boots would dream of leaving their shins unprotected. In English they're called pads or guards; caneleira in Portuguese; Spanish speakers refer to espinilleras and Italians para stinchi, but wherever you are, the value of these relatively simple items is immeasurable. |