Editorial: Soccer as an Ugly Duckling

Sunday, July 9, 2006 | 7:40 a.m.

Organizers of the World Cup predict that about one-sixth of the world's population, or more than 1 billion people, will be tuning in to today's final between Italy and France. Yet here in our country, we still see such headlines as appeared Friday on the USA Today Web site - "Why the United States doesn't take to soccer."

The article beneath the headline quoted Sports Illustrated's Frank Deford, who said, "We reject soccer, that's fair to say. There's not enough scoring, and ties make no sense."

Not all was negative toward the sport, however. The article said there are signs that soccer may someday have a future in this country. And we believe it.

Nights and weekends are alive with soccer in Las Vegas, as they are in towns and cities all over the country. True, the running and kicking is coming predominantly from thousands of pre-teen boys and girls, outfitted in colorful uniforms and protective gear. And the stands are empty except for parents out to support a safe and fun activity for their children. But it is children, who have been turning out in droves for 20 years now, who give soccer its best chance in this country.

Before the 1980s, soccer was not a shared experience for most kids. Today, millions of young Americans remember their own soccer days, providing a growing fan base for professional soccer.

Over the next decade, we believe at least an attempt will be made to promote soccer in this country on a par with baseball, basketball and football. Today's American soccer stars still draw mostly puzzled looks from people on those rare occasions when their names are even brought up. Mention Michael Jordan or Derek Jeter and recognition is immediate. But Landon Donovan? Freddy Adu?

As promotion is key, we'll try one here to get the ratings up for today's game. Italy has allowed just one goal in six World Cup matches. But France has a powerful offense.

Interested?