[DoodleBob]

Liberals are drawn to soccer precisely because it is one of the few remaining venues where American exceptionalism does not prevail. The World Cup, rather, is a working model of President Obama’s foreign policy vision: a world in which America has no special role, where inferior countries are no longer humbled by American greatness, where every country is exceptional, and free shots on goal are not earned, but given away as a handout to those who have mastered the art of falling down. In the group stage, at least, the games can end in a tie.

[sloanrb]

Why is soccer so popular around the world?

The only equipment you need to play is a soccer ball. Baseball, football and basketball require other equipment. That costs money. But a soccer ball is all you need in a third world toilet to play, and China spits those out by the millions.

“I’d rather be on a losing football team than a winning soccer team” -Bobby Hill