The world is watching and foaming at the mouth, so should you!

The most amazing sporting event that I have ever seen comes down to a choice between two: a Boise State football game in person, or a World Cup soccer match between two good international teams. I think that because the World Cup only happens every four years that it might just take the cake. Having lived a couple of years of my life with a predominantly Mexican population, assimilating myself into their culture, there is absolutely nothing bigger and more exciting in the universe than fútbol. Think about it, nation against nation, stadiums filled with mad, adrenaline pumping, vuvuzela buzzing, screaming fans urging their country to victory. As Americans, we focus on other sporting events like the NBA and especially the NFL. Whereas in the rest of the universe, fútbol is king, queen, prince, princess, duke, and all other royalty-related titles. Watch a little bit and you will see why.
There are always certain match-ups that are highly anticipated, usually two of the best teams pitted against each other, both with bad blood from previous encounters and carrying vendettas to settle. USA vs. England yesterday was a prime example. While the two countries politically may be holding hands, skipping down the road, and singing Beetles songs, the opposite is true on the pitch (what they call a soccer field in England, FYI). Guys are getting kicked, the referee is handing out yellow cards like free merch at a concert, and the fans are getting ready to punch each other in the forehead! England may hold the upper hand as far as victories go (USA has only beaten them twice since 1950 with only one of those times being in a World Cup match), but they were evenly matched this time around when they met in the 2010 FIFA World Cup. The USA had outstanding goalkeeping, while England's was terrible. The Yanks boasted a stingy defense and back line while the Brits unleashed Wayne Rooney and Steven Gerrard, two of the most feared and respected attackers in the world today. All other things being even, we see that the game ended in a 1 to 1 tie. (As a side note, England's goalie may be murdered when he gets back home for this blunder. What is the opposite of being knighted by the queen? Because that may happen instead. Ouch and oops that sucks all at the same time for him. Good thing millions of people weren't watching, right?) The point is, the tie is as good as a victory for the United States as England was a huge favorite to win. Barring complete mental breakdowns, both teams should advance to the knockout round. As much as I hate to say it, I think England has a better chance of getting deep into the tournament than we do. We shall see. See you later on, England! Sometimes it's better to be lucky than skilled, right USA soccer?!
This brings up another point, I understand how watching a sporting event that ends in a 0 to 0 or a 1 to 1 tie may not appeal to some people in this country. After all, we are used to high scoring NBA games and Peyton Manning or Tom Brady powered, high flying football beat downs. I tend to enjoy the type of low scoring battle that a fútbol match can provide. Just watch an international match(or a Euro-league game for the matter) and admire the precision and skill that it requires to weave the soccer ball in and out of defenders. It is an art that I sure as heck cannot come close to equaling. Exhibit A is one of the best fútbol tricksters from Brazil named Ronaldihno. I'm not sure if it is is first or last name or if he is too cool for more than one name, but he's awesome. The point is, he is absolutely amazing with what he can do with the ball. Check this out! Soccer is an art and requires skills that only the best athletes in the world have. That is why outside of the United States, a country's biggest and best will take up the sport and it's also why their fans go berserk when it comes to international matches.
So as the World Cup 2010 advances into the knockout stage and the best teams are left, just sit back and enjoy the magic. Watch with an open mind and try to imagine yourself attempting some of the things those fellas do with the ball. You would fall flat on your face and will be picking grass out of your teeth for days. Watch and enjoy the pageantry as much as the matches. I know I will.