World Cup

Chants of U.S.A took America by storm Monday afternoon as the U.S. Men's National team began World Cup play against Ghana with a 2-1 victory. Every four years soccer battles for the American sports fans attention. There are three factions of soccer fans in the country. One who is behind soccer no matter what, the scarf’s and club soccer overseas. The second, anti-soccer, this is 'Merica and it's a game for non-athletes. The third is drawn in every four years for the World Cup. They appreciate the athletes and can get root for which ever country they would like for a month. Estimates are over 20,000 U.S fans traveled to Brazil to cheer on the National Team. For a sport that has an image problem in the main stream American media, that is a tremendous number. It also should show everyone that soccer is here to stay. While U.S. manager Jurgen Klinsmann has down played his squads chances to win the World Cup, the fans have not given up. An opening victory over nemesis Ghana who has eliminated the U.S. twice in the past was a huge step towards advancing out of a group that also features powers Germany and Portugal. John Brooks was the hero of game one. A precautionary sub at halftime for a cramping Matt Besler, Brooks scored the game winning goal off a header in the 86th minute. Next up, Cristiano Ronaldo and Portugal on Sunday. Which fan are you? Me, I'm all in. One team, on nation.