Vsauce founder Michael Stevens looks at the various characteristics that define games, and asks why humans play them. Could games play a role in brain development? Do they prepare us for survival? What are the psychological rewards for playing games? Is life itself a game? All these and other fascinating questions are addressed in the video above.
More often than not in professional football, we hear managers talking up their team’s chances prior to the start of the season, demonstrating a hundred per cent belief in its ability to succeed and fulfill the expectations of their supporters. Continue reading
After City pipped United to the Premier League title in the final minute of the final match on the final day of last season, fans and pundits have been questioning whether or not the Red Devils can snatch the trophy right back at the end of the 2012-2013 campaign. With all due respect to the likes of Chelsea, Arsenal, Tottenham and Liverpool — and with all due respect to the excellent work that these teams have done in the transfer window this past summer, it is a very brave man who would bet against the title leaving Manchester. Continue reading
Psychology plays an important role in winning football matches and ultimately football titles. “If I could go back in time I’d go to the 2006 World Cup and bring along a mental coach to work with the players on taking penalties. England did have a mental problem with that” – former England manager Sven Goran Eriksson (Little, 2012). Continue reading
As football fans around the world prepare for the start of Euro 2012 this Friday, we cannot help but reflect on the contrasting circumstances of two of the tournament’s most talked about teams. As summer is to winter, as joy is to sorrow, as hope is to despair – so is the mighty Spain to lowly England. Continue reading
First held in 1871, the FA Cup is the oldest competition in football history. The tournament is steeped in tradition and has provided countless moments of football magic over the years. There are many reasons to be excited about this fabled competition, but without a doubt, the greatest thing about the FA Cup is its giant killing culture. Continue reading
