Soccer, baseball, and hockey are the three major sports with which I have difficulty even feigning interest during regular season play.

(For those who know me, this is a rather ironic statement: I have been known to watch my share of golf and billiards, probably the two pinnacles in the Boring TV Pantheon.)

However, I really enjoy the yearly championship competitions of these sports — even more so the World Cup. Every four years the world participates in a friendly (yet not-so-friendly) World War. Except in this world war the likes of Ghana and the Czech Republic routinely route the U.S.A.

This year I’ve really enjoyed the competition. Today’s two games, Germany vs. Sweden and Argentina vs. Mexico were absorbing — especially during the beginning of the games. (2 goals scored in the first 10 minutes of each of the games.) And what was that goal from Rodriguez of Argentina!!?

The play has also been interesting — I took the time to finally understand the rules of the game. My enjoyment of the game has increased four-fold.

Another observation: soccer players are floppers! Oh, how they flop! Athletes of all sports flop, but soccer has taken it to a new level. It seems there is some unwritten rule between players and referees that every flop should involve some sort of penalty. Seriously, how hurt can two people get when they both jump up at the same time for a header!?