World Cup Draws

The United States soccer team played to a 1-1 draw against Italy this past weekend. And for some inexplicable reason, everyone started celebrating. The American sports media starting praising the U.S. team with such cliched statements as: "they played with a lot of heart", or "they showed grit and courage." What the hell. I am missing something? Not only did they NOT win, they're really lucky they didn't lose (Italy scored on their own goal).

When did we start praising mediocrity? That sort of praise should only be reserved for special occasions - like when a kid learns how to tie his shoelaces, or when President Bush gets through a speech without mispronouncing any words. It should never apply to sports.

And that's why soccer is weird. It's one of those rare sports where people get all excited over a draw. Maybe I'm old school, but I think every game needs to have clear winner and a loser -- just like in any good capitalist society. So in conclusion, if you like soccer, you're a communist.