“There are just two things about the World Cup that prevent Americans
from caring: It involves soccer and the rest of the world. When I hear
that Tunisia is playing Belgium for the crucial Group H runner-up
spot, all I want is a map. The only way Americans are going to learn
another country's name is if it attacks us.”
Joel Stein wrote that in Time magazine back in 2002.
On the other hand, I appreciate the fact that the World Cup is
actually worldly—unlike, say, the “World Series” of baseball, which is
really only a contest between teams in America. (OK, fine. Plus
Canada.)
Yes, there are better sports than soccer. But there's not a better
world's sporting event. So for the World Cup's authenticity as a
"world" cup, and for its simplicity—one nation against one other
nation, in one single sport—this here American finds himself caring.