Despite soccer not being the most-watched sport here in our country, it's hard to stay away from (what many call) the greatest sporting event on the planet. Taking place just once every four years, the World Cup showcases 32 national teams - each being represented by some of the world's greatest players - vying for the title of World Champion. Unlike the NFL, NBA or any other professional league here in the United States however, where we call our leagues' best teams "world" champions, the winners of the World Cup, are in fact really the best in the world. In Philadelphia, a city with such great diversity, excitement is in the air in preparation for the World Cup to finally get underway in South Africa on June 11th. Though Americans are not notorious for being such
avid soccer fans, the World Cup is always a time of great passion - especially, for those who moved here to the United States from other countries around the world.
Soccer seems to be an international language, and after talking to Ken Merriman, a manager at Tir na Nog - a popular Irish pub in center city - it's clear that Philadelphia will be suffering from the same World Cup bug as every other major city in the world. He expects capacity crowds at the bar for nearly all the games, despite some of them starting as early as 7:30 in the morning (because of the time difference).
Throughout the summer, Philadelphia Neighborhoods' sports reporters will continuously be updating the scene in and around the city, for the hottest spots to cheer on your favorite teams to World Cup glory.
Ari Charlestein and Jeff McMenamin
Group 19, sports
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