The USA beat Ghana in World Cup Play and I should care?

I love soccer, and the World Cup specifically. I really enjoy it for similar reasons as with the Olympics, but the Olympics have become too commercialized and lost meaning over the years IMO. Not only is soccer a difficult and demanding sport to play, it encompasses a traditional competition level and sportsmanship that is missing from many other modern sports. Add to that it is one of the oldest sports in civilized humanity, and is the most commonly known and participated in across the entire globe. Where it appeals to me is that commonality and sense of competitive pride which is shared by all walks of life, regardless of their other differences. Borders, people, ethnicity, diplomatic interests, races, religions and governments are all placed to the side, while Men (and women) compete and support their teams as they take the field with and against each other in a demonstration of prowess and humility. If you ask me, the World Cup is one of the last remaining stages where everyone can come together at the core of who we are as the inhabitants of one planet. Differences are celebrated rather than admonished, and pride is peacefully and largely displayed, while bragging rights are humbly earned. I guess when you see teams like the US and Iran take a field and shake hands, embracing in genuine sportsmanship and mutual respect, to play a game on the world stage, it speaks metaphorically for something really important underneath all the crap. That is just one example, but is why the World Cup means something to me.

Try again! Soccer is now the third most played team sport behind basketball and baseball, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. There are 18 million kids playing soccer in the USA, so it's not just growing--it's big! Maybe if some of us took the time to learn and sometimes watch exciting games, such as in the Spanish La Liga (Barcelona vs Real Madrid) or in the World Cup (USA vs Ghana), we would learn to appreciate what a great sport soccer is.

If you think baseball is more exciting to watch, please hand me another hot dog!

I Love Soccer. Both my parents imigrated from Brazil to the US before I was born. I can remember every World Cup from 1982 (when I was 7) on up. I love Football and the NY Giants. But Soccer comes in a solid second. MLS and Soccer is growing in this country. it is listed as the #2 sport in the US for kids ages 12-24. That says alot............MLS is growing and adding teams every year.

Soccer is truly an international sport. The rest of the world makes Soccer #1. WE (the USA) are the different ones. We are the ones who place the NFL/MLB/NBA on top. There is more to it then just the world cup every 4 years.