Michael Giberson
…must be about zero after he used the words “soccer ball” when clearly he meant “football.”
See this video from South Africa ( highlighting the introduction of the new Adidas ball for World Cup 2010) at the 3:36 mark. Too much time in the States?
The word “soccer” was coined in England. It is indeed known and used in England and in the UK, including in headlines and news broadcasts.
“Soccer” is more commonly used in South Africa, though “football” is also used.
There are many, many codes of football. “Football” by itself generally refers to the most popular one in the area, but “soccer” or “association football” is the only universal term to indicate the particular sport about which Beckham was talking and is recognized and understood in all English-speaking countries.
Re: “Soccer” is more commonly used in South Africa, though “football” is also used.
Ah, so that probably explains the usage.