"Some people think football [soccer] is a matter of life and death. I assure you, it's much more serious than that."

The above quote by former Liverpool Football Club Manager Bill Shankly sums up the way many people will feel this coming Friday. On that day, thirty-two national teams will come together and participate in what many feel is the greatest sporting competition in the world: the soccer World Cup. Passionate fans from across the globe will be converging in the nation of South Africa to see who will be crowned international soccer's best squad. National pride � and at least a few jobs � will be on the line for many of these teams, especially those that are expected to do well.

Team USA, of course, will be there, as they have been for each of the last five tournaments. What's interesting about the US national team is the fact that so many people in this country don't seem to realize just how good we are. Despite the fact that the men's squad have been consistently ranked in the top twenty teams globally (our women's team is, of course, among the world elite), there is a perception that we're an also-ran, a Johnny-come-lately that cannot compete with the big boys.

Nothing could be further from the truth. Don't believe it? Just ask defending champion Italy, who in 2006 saw the USA snatch a draw against them, despite an otherwise lackluster performance by our guys. You could also talk to Germany, who in the 2002 quarterfinals came a hair's breadth from elimination after being significantly outplayed by Team USA, only to eventually win 1-0 on a late header. The old adage that, on any given day, a lesser team can beat the best there is, certainly applies.

Perhaps the most important match Team USA will play will happen this coming Saturday, at 2:30 p.m., when we take on a strong England squad. Can we compete? Absolutely. Our front line duo of Landon Donovan and Clint Dempsey are among the elite players of the world. Dempsey, in fact, hangs his hat at Fulham Football Club of the English Premier League; and Landon Donovan, who plays his regular-season soccer with the LA Galaxy, recently gave a huge lift to Everton Football Club (also of the English Premier League) while on a short-term loan. The Merseyside fans (Everton is a suburb of Liverpool) were heartbroken to see him return to the states.

And it doesn't stop there. Team USA players are competing, and excelling, in the toughest and most difficult leagues in the world, while at home the domestic Major League Soccer has steadied itself, grown hotbeds of fan interest in Seattle, Chicago, Washington D.C., even Los Angeles and looks set to not only survive but also to thrive in this, the world's most competitive sports market. And out on the fields in our region you can see the army from which tomorrow's stars may arise.

The game has long been a staple in high schools across America. For certain kinds of athletes, both male and female, it's simply by far the best sport there is. Ellenville's boys' team had a great season, and for several years now, has been getting post season play. Pine Bush, still rebuilding after losing its midfield two years ago, also managed to reach the post season this year. From high school to clubs, the game is flourishing right here in the heart of the USA. For most kids soccer is the first organized team game they play, and while many Americans still don't quite grasp the Offside Rule, they know enough to be able to watch the game and enjoy it, especially if the US National Team is winning.