HAVING been in the States for the last few weeks it has been impossible to escape the Super Bowl hype.On every sports channel, local channel and even on the networks, it seems nothing matters more than this Sunday's big game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Green Bay Packers.Panels of analysts, experts, former players and coaches have been poring over detail individual statistics, team statistics, weaknesses and strengths of both teams, profiling the players to the extent that they appear to know more than the players themselves.The diet of useless information has been relentless. And at the end of it all, the fans and millions of punters who will gamble on the game are none the wiser.This finale to the NFL season is bigger than any other US showpiece event the NBA Championships, the NHL's Stanley Cup and baseball's World –Series.Even those who aren't the slightest bit interested in the regular NFL season are likely to be camping out on the couch come Sunday evening, knowing little difference between a quarterback, running back or defensive lineman.And they'll be lapping up the much anticipated half-time show and the specially produced commercials, an integral part of the entire coverage.But Americans might want to be reminded that on a global scale, Super Bowl XLV pales in comparison to the world's truly great events football's World Cup (the real football) and the Champions League, the Olympic Games, perhaps even golf's Ryder Cup, and the Wimbledon Championships.Certainly in the Far East, Sub-Continent, Africa and Europe, more viewers will watch an English Premier League game on a Saturday morning, especially when the title contenders are involved.That's not to say the Super Bowl doesn't have its rightful place on the sporting calendar but the build-up is such that when the game eventually comes around, the expectations are rarely fulfilled.By then even the most ardent supporters have already been fed too much information.And this year the Packers and Steelers are so closely matched, the outcome is far from predictable. A little bit less analysis would do an awful lot to make it far more appealing. Pre-match overkill can detract from the spectacle itself.Aside from that, those who don't follow the game will scoff at the NFL's finale. They might argue the players can't compare with the fastest, fittest and more talented athletes.After all it is a game of extreme contrasts - offensive players relying on their speed and guile and the defensive players relying on bulk and strength rather than athleticism. To some it's amusing how the big men have to reach for the oxygen mask after trundling a few yards.Having said that, those in Bermuda will be partying at home or filling the pubs on Sunday evening.I'll be one of them.