Now that 2006 is here, I am anxiously awaiting the summer to arrive. I am excited about the World Cup in Germany. It begins in June and will end in July. This is the greatest sports tournament in the world. There are 32 nations that battle for one cup. The fans are at a fevered pitch and truly the world is watching. The one nation that comes out of the tournament will reign supreme for four years.

I want anyone who has not witnessed or tuned in to a soccer game to wait and watch your first game during the majesty of the World Cup. Watch how every seat in the stadium is empty. Empty because all 100,000 people in the stadium are standing, cheering, and dancing to the world's greatest sporting event for the entire 90 minute match.

Watch as the anticipation of the first goal is scored. Watch because every goal scored counts vitally in the standings of the first round. The first round consists of 32 nations playing in eight divisions of four teams. To make it to the elimination rounds, you must be in the top two of each group. Three games separate your nation from the ultimate trophy, the World Cup. And it is no generalization when I say people have died for not reaching the pinnacle of this sport.

So why in America is there NO PASSION for soccer? Many people say it is because there are so many other sports to participate in, or to be a fan of. This does seem true, but why is the popularity of soccer amongst children growing? Why is it moms want their children playing soccer? Remember soccer is a sport that both males and females can participate in. Children of all ages can play.

I personally coach a team in Las Vegas. It is a team of children under 14 years old, and on the team we have 15 boys and one girl playing competitively. In all, half the players want to play in high school and dream of playing in college. It is important to me and my coaching staff to keep the players interested in the sport of soccer. We want these children to really understand the game, so later in life when they have children they can pass on the passion for the sport.

This is a sport that is played in every part of the world. It is so much bigger than America, and we need to open our minds to the beauty of the game.

We had the greatest soccer team in the world when Mia Hamm wore the U.S. colors on her jersey. The U.S. team won two World Cups and the gold medal at the 2004 Summer Olympic Games in Athens.

When you talk about world championships we in the United States take it for granted we are the best, or our city's team is the best. Right now, soccer is the only sport in the world that can be decided on the field who is the world champion. Baseball is played in North America, but many of the best players are from South America. Football is played in North America. Europe gets a watered down version. The National Basketball Association has a 'world champion,' but are these players truly world champions when they cannot even win a gold medal in the Olympics?

The Olympics in Torino, Italy are in February and so many gold medalists are voted on by judges and if you are a spectator you can see the political games played in many of those events. Team events in the Olympic Games, like hockey and basketball along with many other sports, come close to finding a WORLD CHAMPION, but you don't truly always get to see the best athletes in the world participate. For political reasons, not every nation participates, and not every nation sends their best players.

The World Cup of soccer does all this. Every nation in the world participates in regional tournaments and the final 32 nations are not chosen, but they EARN their way in by beating the opponents.

The U.S. and Italy are not just both in the field of 32 nations, but they have been selected through a draw to play in the first round. Group E consists of Italy, U.S., Ghana (a representative of Africa), and the Czech Republic. Many soccer analysts are calling this the "Group of Death," because of the quality of teams. The U.S. team won its final tournament group, which included three other nations making it to the World Cup: Mexico, Costa Rica, and Trinidad & Tobago.

Italy won their European group easily even after slipping up in a loss against Belarus. The problem with the favorites in this group is they seem to play down to their opponents at times. The Azzurri, nickname for the Italian National team, are poised though to make a run this tournament, because of a new coaching staff and key players that should return from injuries.

Ghana will be tournament ready after winning a very competitive group in Africa. They are probably the weakest of the five teams coming from Africa, but with a tough schedule in the African Cup of Nations tournament this month they should be tournament ready.

The Czech Republic qualified for the first time after becoming an independent nation. They had to go through a series of playoff games after coming in second in their European group.

So, with such a battle-hardened group of teams, it is no wonder people are calling this the toughest group to play in?

Well, I hope this article creates some interest in this year's World Cup. The PASSION begins with Germany, the host nation, playing Costa Rica on June 9, and for all doubters of the world's greatest sporting event—every game will be televised either on ABC or ESPN throughout the month-long tournament. So, do yourself a favor and watch at least one match.