Sure, very few Americans know or understand the sport. Sure, a significant percentage of the first-round games end in scoreless draws. Sure, soccer fans can be a wee bit overzealous at times. Still, with the NBA and NHL championships settled, and baseball playoffs four long months away, there couldn't be a better time for a major world sporting event. And if you take the time to familiarize yourself with some of the rules, players, and strategies, you'll find that soccer played at the highest level is a pretty exhilirating affair.

Harold Check