* Its cheap and open to everyone to see if they have ability, there is some truth in the poverty ball phrasing but the upside of that is that the talent pool is exponentially greater
* Its highly skilled at the top level due to the above point re global talent pool
* Money is big for the top level talent due to worldwide interest
* It basically continuous movement unlike a lot of other sports. That also means there isnt annoying ad break stoppages every few minutes, there are literally none during the game itself
* Its done in 90 minutes
* Team set up and formation allows for tactical engagement and interest for those so inclined
* This is obviously more subjective but the nature of the play is interesting itself ,and so you don't need frequent goals as a result: if simply scoring points was the source of sporting enjoyment then basketball should be everyone's favourite. In essence all winter field sports are variations on the same basic concept ie team with ball aims to work ball up to other end of field to score,while the other side attempts to stop them. Soccer is no different so not an outlier in that respect
* The flipside of infrequent scoring is that a goal is often hugely consequential and induces mass euphoria, see EPL crowds. In addition it means that a lot more games remain competitive until the end unlike an NFLor NBA blow out for eg
* Its extremely tribal both at a local derby level, and internationally based on genuine war and geopolitical grudges. The hate is very real and that always works for sporting interest
I'm not a mega fan but I do enjoy it and just giving some reasons as to its appeal. I get that for a lot of people seeing scoreless draw results doesnt inspire: it doesn't inspire fans as well but boring games happen in all sports. England won their first game 6-2 which if given a 7 point NFL equivalent is a 42-14 result for context
