I should have posted about the World Cup as soon as the draw came out, because I love watching/following international soccer and I wish it got more attention in the media. I feel like soccer is constantly stuck in a self-perpetuating cycle in which lack of mainstream interest breeds lack of coverage, which breeds lack of mainstream interest, which breeds lack of coverage, etc. etc. etc. The only hope for a change in this pattern is some sustained success, especially in the only event that does draw some wider public interest: the World Cup.

That's why the favorable draw in the upcoming tournament could be really important to making soccer a little more consumable here. The openning game against England will be hyped beyond anything US soccer has ever seen because of the history, and you better believe Engalnd won't be caught sleeping again. But a respectable showing in the openner followed by a push through to the knockout rounds could do alot of good in raising the sport's profile in America.

On a side note, if I were Bob Bradley, I would secretly put in an order now, and have the team dress in the old 1950 jerseys for the openner as a tribute to that team's effort, and to get in a jab at England before the first whistle.