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Home Page > Features > Following Soccer in Europe 

How to Follow Soccer in Europe

Soccer is a sport that is gaining rapid popularity in the states, yet many who live as expatriates in Europe don't often take the opportunity to follow the competitions where they live.  This is because it seems difficult to do.  Language barriers make watching the games hard.  The leagues work completely differently and may be confusing to Americans.  Then, cable and satellite systems bring American sports overseas, so its simpler to follow the home teams 'back home'.

At the very least, having the various competitions explained could be helpful.  That's the purpose of this article series -- to explain how soccer is played during the European soccer season, in the hopes of making soccer more accessible to expatriates.  This is a multiple-page feature, click below to access a section directly.

Page One -- Introduction and National Competitions

1. Background.  Comparing American Sports Leagues to the European Soccer System

2. The National League Competitions

3. The National Cup Competitions

Page Two -- UEFA Competitions

4. Introduction to the UEFA Competitions

5. The UEFA Champions League

6. The UEFA Cup

7. The European Championships ("EURO")

8. The World Cup Qualification Tournament

9. International Friendlies

10. Other Competitions

Page Three -- Going to the Game

11. Understanding the Venue

12. Following the Game

13. Avoiding Trouble

(C) 2004 Tom Galvin