The American Fairytale Continues

 Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images

Say what you want about soccer. say you don't like it, say you don't think it'll ever be relevant.   But you can't say people aren't watching now.

My Facebook just blew up with status updates like "GOOOOOOOOAAAAAAL" and "LANDON DONOVAN AMERICAN HERO!" among a plethora of U.S. Soccer related exertions of euphoria following Landon Donovan's 90th minute game-winner to send the Americans to the knockout round of the 2010 FIFA World Cup.  

Twitter is "over capacity," and has been now for about half an hour.  I can't even log on to see what the millions of American fans are saying.  This World Cup has crippled Twitter, and quite honestly, I'm OK with that.  

What's the best part of this World Cup?  My friends, who aren't normally soccer fans, are going crazy over what just happened in the game against Algeria.  They've become believers, and it's time for everyone to believe in this team.  

They may not be the most talented, but they have the most courage, the most heart.  That makes them the best team the US has taken to the World Cup, in my humble opinion.  These guys are playing together, and thank goodness they're not taking a page out of the "French Notebook of Soccer Ingenuity."  There is no friction between team and coach, and there is total support from the fans of our nation.

If you're not on the bandwagon yet, it's time to hop on.  Feel free, no one will judge you for even being just a little late to the party.  I myself joined the Columbus Crew bandwagon full-time this season, despite only being a "mediocre" fan for most of their existence.

That's what makes soccer beautiful.  The fans come from every creed, every race, all genders, all nationalities, but are united under one banner:  The love of the game.  The "world's game" is quickly making a statement in the States.  The fans don't judge you for trying to jump on late in the game.  They embrace you, and make you feel a part of something much greater than yourself.  That's why it's the most beautiful game in the world.

Be sure to watch the American's play again on Saturday morning at 10AM on ESPN or ABC.  You won't regret it!