By Michael Belmont
Gargoyle senior editor
Posted Tuesday, June 6, 2006, The OG, sports

If you've been paying attention to commercials publicizing the event, you might know by now that the FIFA World Cup is not only the world's most popular sporting event, but also a major political and economic force with global clout. (“FIFA” stands for the Fédération Internationale de Football Association, based in Zurich, Switzerland.)

When the tournament kicks off on Friday, a massive audience (which will make that of the Super Bowl, March Madness, the World Series, or any other American sporting event you can think of look like this season's following of “The OC”) will tune in and unleash four years of pent-up gusto and zeal.

But, unfortunately, the phenomenon that will cripple productivity in countless nations in the coming month, and which has already halted a civil war in the Ivory Coast, may well not have power by itself to make you care.

For all of you who fit into this category, this is where I come in. Soccer may not be all the craze in this country (yet), and Uni students aren't exactly the most athletically oriented people anyway, but even so, I think there are some reasons for even the most uninterested of you to watch.

The first one I can think of is simply patriotism. Yes, patriotism. Silly as it may sound to you, other countries view international soccer as a source of national pride (or disgrace). The United States has qualified once more for the event and is looking to build on its quarterfinal appearance in 2002, fielding many of the same stars from that team. Indeed, you may want to catch some games just to cheer on the red, white, and blue.

Those of you who aren't particularly happy with America right now shouldn't be turned off, however. Since the group in which the Americans will play is one of the toughest in the tournament, there's actually a fairly good chance that the U.S. team will get humiliated in the early stages.

Team USA will kick off Monday against a solid Czech Republic side. On the 17th the Americans will take on Italy, one of the best teams in the world and a tourney favorite. They will end group play against African powerhouse Ghana on the 22nd. Although this is Ghana's first World Cup, they have been impressive in their qualification and friendly matches. They recently beat South Korea by a convincing score of 3-1, and their midfield star Michael Essien, the most expensive player his continent has ever produced, should be a higher caliber player than anybody on the U.S. roster.

If you're not convinced yet, consider your status as a world citizen. You have a responsibility to connect with foreign cultures in order to foster a more harmonious international understanding. With globalization increasing at a breakneck pace, following the World Cup is just one way you might try to keep up.

Or maybe you should just tune in to watch the most popular game mankind has ever known played at the very highest level of which it is capable. Even novices might be able to find comfort and beauty in the rhythm and flow of quality play, or primal glee in the physicality and mild violence of world-class athletes battling for possession of the ball. Perhaps the natural attributes of the sport will attract you, if you give it a chance.

A complete schedule of the first round is up online here. The games will be played on one of the ESPN channels or ABC, and will generally take place in the afternoon in our time zone.

Actually, to tell the truth, I don't care at all whether you watch or not. All I can do is alert you to some of the benefits you'll enjoy from doing so. Just don't expect to get in touch with me after lunch in the next couple weeks.