As that last one make a brief mention of, soccer (there's nothing wrong with calling it soccer in this country) has really grabbed the attention of the world lately. Well, it always has the attention of the world, but right now it has the attention of the world's "leading" country. As the most populous country in this year's World Cup, the US theoretically should have the most support. However, this seems to have only been the case very recently...since Wednesday morning to be exact.

Landon Donovan's goal was truly one of those watershed moments that makes sports so relevant. Yes, it is just a game and yes, it was being played literally around the globe from the US population, but people are looking for something to be happy and proud about these days. Even though oil still gushes into the Gulf of Mexico and generals are still being replaced in Afghanistan, the US has found a reason for this.

Just as ABC's Wild World of Sports extolled, with the thrill of victory comes the agony of defeat. The World Cup has provided striking examples of that as well. To whit:

-North Korean players potentially being sent to work in state-owned coal mines upon their return home after a terrible performance in South Africa?

-The French national team returning as a disgrace to their country and potentially subject to physical violence at the hands of their countrymen?

So yes, the US is riding high right about now, so its important to get this posted before their next match tomorrow against Ghana. All those skeptics that thought soccer was nothing more than 90 minutes of pretty boys not scoring any goals have been trumped by a pretty boy scoring a goal after 90 minutes of play had already elapsed without a single goal. Everyone is OK with that right now and that itself is OK right now.

Finally, let it be known that while soccer might not be able to clean up the Gulf or find Osama, it is trying to start with domestic issues, although with somewhat mixed results.