Tall ladies seldom hear, “You’re tall. Do you play soccer?” But it is apparent that height, long limbs, and being ahead above your competitors is a huge advantage in this sport. As we approach the final games of the first round of the UEFA, I thought it would be fun, for sports’ sake and… you know, other reasons, to find out a little bit more about the tall men of the Euro Cup. Note: If you are a reader of this blog, you may remember that I am half German, and yes, it is safe to assume that is who I am cheering for and may show a little bit of bias towards in this post. Smiley face.
Tallest Man
Hey! Doesn’t it look like he got the biggest size pants that are too long in the crotch just because he needed them for length? Who’s been there! Anyway… what a save!
Andreas Isaksson (199cm)
Team: Sweden
Position: Goalkeeper
Height of significant other: No info available. Not sure. An interesting development for some of you, perhaps?
Second Tallest Man
Another case of short pants and a tent that is not built with a 6’5″ person in mind. Poor guy probably had cold feet and ankles all night. Actually, probably cold knees too.
Per Mertesacker (198 cm)
Team: Germany
Position: Defender
Height of significant other: Her name is Ulrike and she is a foot shorter than he is!
Third Tallest Man
I don’t think so!!!
Petr Čech (197 cm)
Team: Czech Republic (so Petr Čech isn’t just a clever name…)
Position: Goalkeeper
Height of significant other: Her name is Martina, and it is unknown. Well, I couldn’t find it.
Tallest Team
It’s a TIE! Both Croatia and Germany have an average team height of 185 cm.
Croatia
The aerial advantage! And use of a long limb.
Germany
Go-Go Gadget legs! Gomez is Germany’s top scorer right now.
And for that matter, both teams have the highest, or are tied for the highest amount of points in their group. (Germany with the most points overall. Whaaat…???) Admittedly, this piece may not be the most compelling piece of sports writing- it is probably my first… but let’s see how far the height advantage takes these two teams- best of luck to both!
Commiserations to Sweden…..but it would have been a great tall theory! In other barely associated news I sat an exam this week with an invigilator who looked like Father Xmas on his holidays – no kidding, big and jolly, white hair, full white beard and a red t-shirt – he refused to answer me when I asked why he still hasn’t brought me longer legs even though I’ve asked for them every year since I was 8. Being 5ft 2 I was limited to gymnastics sporting-wise – but I never had any sense of balance, even though I’m nearer to the ground
Yeah, too bad for Sweden.
That is a pretty funny story about “Santa.” Wonder if he must get that a lot. Maybe he has a blog about his experiences constantly being compared to as Santa in his life!
Ah, balance. I know you’ve probably hear this a gazillion times, but pilates and yoga are both amazing for that, I recommend checking out either.
Thanks for your comment, Anna!