Leszek (Shek) Borkowski

I am frequently told, by those who expose their ignorance, that women’s football is inferior to men’s football because men are faster and stronger, and women could never compete with or against men.
But using this reasoning is faulty based on the fact that by utilizing critics’ criteria, one must conclude that American defender Oguchi Onyewu (1.93 m (6 ft 4 in) and 95 kg (210 lb), or German player Robert Huth (1.91 m (6 ft 3 in) and 92 kg (200 lb) from Stoke City are better players than Lionel Messi. They both can clearly beat Messi ten out of ten times in arm wrestling, in the bench press and most strength tests.
Both are probably faster as well.
But fortunately football is not about strength and speed alone. It is about technique, vision, intelligence and team play.
Therefore, comparing men’s and women’s football is meaningless, just as it is pointless to spend lots of time discussing which league is better Serie A or the EPL. Or whether Danish cuisine is better than Swedish. Fun discussions, but meaningless.
In Spring of 2005 I watched Mexico U17 boys team play against an American college team composed of 18-23 year old players. The college team was bigger, stronger and faster and won that match 1-0. But there was no doubt which team was a better football team, both individually and collectively. That Mexico team went on to win the 2005 FIFA U-17 World Championship in Peru.
What TRUE football fans recognize and appreciate, regardless of gender or physical differences, is the ability to create opportunities, to give and to receve passes, to get into space, to play one or two touch under pressure, to see play 3 seconds before it happens. Players like Messi, Marta, Iniesta, Inka Grings, Xavi, Kelly Smith, Fabregas have it and others don’t. Regardless of gender.
Enjoy the difference!