Warning. Non-Comics Sports Post Ahead.

Unfortunately, I live in a nation, possibly the only nation in the world, where the common consensus seems to be that soccer is boring. (Don't get me wrong. I love the United States, but we can be so backwards for a developed nation.) It's getting better -- ABC actually broadcast some non-USA games this weekend -- but for the most part it seems like the World Cup matches are confined to cable television in favor of things that are boring. Like golf.

Or maybe not. I don't know. I don't follow sports that closely, but I do wish it were easier to follow real football. There's a lot of beauty in World Cup soccer, if you care to look. A well-played game is like ballet. The intricate footwork the players use is simply amazing, and when that ball soars through the air, neatly past the goalkeeper into the net... It's a sight as lovely as it is rare.

Aesthetics aside, the real wonder of watching World Cup soccer is the fact that you are watching right along with half the world. This isn't like the Olympics. There is only one event, one focus, and that is the game. And when you are watching, whatever team you're rooting for, you can be certain that millions of other people around the world are cheering, too. Maybe not at the same time (time zones being what they are), but it's still a very global, very unifying experience.

No wonder the US isn't a soccer nation. Pity.

(Cover scan from The GCD)