DRAFT Magazine

Once you hit middle age, you realize debates which seemed fresh in your youth are really timeless arguments that will likely remain unresolved until your death.

Here’s one: even though American kids play soccer by the millions, this country will never embrace the professional sport the way the rest of the world does. Discuss.

The debate usually peaks every four years during the World Cup, when the U.S. team will surprisingly beat a stronger team and prompts soccer aficionados to say the sport has finally arrived here.

A small-scale version of this scenario occurred this past weekend, when the U.S. faced Brazil for the Confederations Cup. In San Francisco, venerable Kezar Pub was packed, according to the San Francisco Chronicle, and its 16 televisions were tuned to the game. Not only that, fans stood outside with their faces pressed against the windows to watch.

Granted, a few Brazil fans were in the house, but the majority at the pub cheered for the Americans who, after taking what is usually an insurmountable halftime lead of 2-0. fell 3-2.

Despite the defeat, the U.S. team played much better than expected (the typical storyline) in the tournament, even defeating Spain in a true stunner. To the men in the red, white and blue: this beer’s for you. Let it take your mind off this endless debate about your sport’s status.