WORLD CUP 2006

Well, the World Cup starts today and the action for the worlds soccer fans is going to be intense. To follow the games, I've added a couple links at the right. One takes you to the FIFA site and the other to ESPN Soccernet s World Cup section.
Also, for those in the States who have no idea what this is all about and, like me, are done with the NBA Finals, here is a link to an excellent article by CBS Sports writer Larry Dobrow. Here's *snip*:

Will I get the chance to chant "U-S-A! U-S-A!" and generally give patriotism a bad name? Sure! Antisocial behavior is as much a part of international soccer as is snooty disdain for anything red, white and blue. While one of the aforementioned funny-accent people told me that the English soccer hooligan is but a "mythical evil creature," you can expect to see more than a few dentally challenged wackjobs cavorting in post-game riot footage. Others who get high marks for low behavior include the Dutch ("mean and clever") and the Italians ("they add an almost neo-fascist element").

There, now I have provided you with everything you need to enjoy World Cup 2006 except the beer.