You don't have to be a star athlete to experience the thrills of competition on the world stage. Some of my best travel memories have been made at the foosball table. The endorphin rush of sports in combination with the similar neurostimulation of travel is delicious. You don't need a uniform, contract, nor sponsor. Pickup...

When columnists try to explain why Americans (supposedly) don't care about the World Cup, they turn to the same old examples. They point out qualities of the game: Too low scoring, no commercial breaks to grab snacks, no hands allowed. I think the real reason that most Americans aren't into the Cup is because most...