... And this is why being a real soccer fan sucks during this time in some ways. I've been playing for about 15 years or so and watch games whenever they're on, which isn't often with a basic cable package. Now I find myself surrounded by "fans" who just learned who Donovan is and that "keeper" is another word for goalie. When they first start talking, I get excited, "Oh awesome! Soccer people!" but as the conversation carries on, I realize that all they know is what ESPN just spit out that morning.

A good example is my sister. She's 19, has never played any soccer, and NEVER watches it any other time. But wouldn't ya know? With all the focus on the World Cup, suddenly it's the coolest thing to know all about it. Now she has the TV on whenever a game is going. She has to make sure she's part of the "trendy" crowd... even if no one in her usual crowd actually watches soccer either.

Though, I feel that I'm a bit bitter because this is my sport and there's a bunch of posers hanging around. But if you compare it to the Olympics, how many people watch those and of those people, how many know exactly dick about gymnastics or water polo? Yeah, so I realize that it's a bit hypocritical, but at the same time, that's the Olympics, the whole point is a world competition across the board. The World Cup is just soccer. I wouldn't watch the World Cup of Curling if it existed because I don't find the sport entertaining.

Frankly, I think the World Cup is simply another soundboard for Americans to shout from, claiming to be fucking fantastic. I love this country, but I'm also very humble when it comes to the beautiful game because we honestly aren't that great, though there has been improvement.

@Zissu25@xanga - It comes and goes. I'm happy to see some excitement over the game, but at the same time, come August, most people won't care again.

I think a lot of it comes from soccer ignorance. We rarely hear anything about it, and when we do, there's always a close association with "Those wacky Europeans/South Americans rioting at their soccer games".

That and we're Americans.

I don't see why it's a big deal. How many Americans don't swim or play volleyball or do gymnastics but ALWAYS watch the Olympics and root for the US to win gold? I guess that's pretentious too...

When it comes down to it the big things are always going to bring out a sense of pride in people. The World Cup, summer and winter Olympics, etc.

It doesn't matter to me, as someone who likes soccer and has played it since I was little, to know if the people cheering for these teams are loyal to the sport or just the team. At least the US team has support out there, and if some people actually know what's going on even better because they can appreciate the efforts of those players. But honestly, why are Americans any more pretentious than England or Mexico fans? You think every fan in a foreign nation is there because they just LOOOOVE the sport? Lawl.

@mcmeister89 -  Football bandwagoners are the most annoying people ever. There's no need to apologize. If I have to hear another "Well, FIFA ranked Brasil number 1 so they're the my pick to win it" I'm gonna punch someone. Brazil played a mediocre game against North Korea. None of the favorites have been playing at the level expected of them. 

I think it's kinda weird, but maybe we're finally coming to our senses.

I watch it because I LOVE the sport and I can no longer play it, so watching is the next best thing.

I've been obsessed with football since like birth, it's kinda annoying that people will just watch it every four years to seem patriotic or whatever :/