United States vs. Ghana

We are just about an hour away from the Round of 16 World Cup Soccer match between the United States and Ghana. I have previously written how soccer is a sport that is very hard for me, like many other Americans, to get in to. Whether it is the lack of scoring, questionable tactics from the players (i.e. taking divings and faking penalties), or how the officials can take the game into their own hands, soccer is not an attractive sport for me. Today, however, it most certainly is.

This game will be like any other World Cup Soccer game. The players will be taking dives, faking injuries, and there will be many questionable calls, yet it is not the game itself that intrigues me. Rather, nationalism, patriotism, and the opportunity for the Red, White, and Blue to reign its dominance on the soccer world that is so appealing. Other countries throughout the world literally live and die with how their soccer team performs in the World Cup (I suggest watching the documentary "The Two Escobars"). How great would it be if the United States, a country where soccer is unquestionably a secondary sport to the likes of football, baseball, and basketball, wins the World Cup?

I live for drama, especially sports drama. Not knowing what is going to happen in just seconds is what makes sports so appealing. The American victory over Algeria in the 91st minute was drama at its finest.

As for the game itself, I will limit my commentary and analysis for the game itself. Simply because I do not know nearly enough about soccer or how the United States matches up against Ghana to share my insights. I will say this though, the United States will advance as far in this tournament as Tim Howard (pictured left) carries them. If he is on his game, I see no reason the US cannot advance deep in the tournament.

Fearless Prediction: Clemson defeats South Carolina in an elimination game tonight.