The title of the story splashed across the front page of the Wall Street Journal Review section read: “How the U.S. Lost the World Cup – and Won Over the World.”
It seemed a fair assessment; the general consensus – even in non-U.S. media – was that this World Cup was an unqualified success. Which is not surprising. We are a sports-obsessed nation – so much so that we can even embrace a sport that is not our own – and we love a party. And the World Cup combines sport and parties as no other athletic competition. It makes the Olympics look as if they were run by ayatollahs. Perhaps, instead of starting wars, we should dedicate ourselves to becoming a beloved international host, relieving the world of its cares and seducing its citizens with free refills and stuffed raccoons.
