Feature: This Is Soccer

A slightly mad Englishman named Denny Bates found a group of us too-skinny-for-football kids sometime around the third grade, put us on a field with the round ball and taught us to "kick the bloody hell" out of it.

I was a great player. In fact, one of the best, but only at night when I was dreaming. During the day I had a lot more heart than talent.

Later, when the team was without a coach, my dad -- although he knew little about the game -- came to our rescue. He drove miles out of his way to pick up anyone who needed a ride, bought uniforms, bought cleats for those who couldn't afford them, and drove my team-mates and I all over the state. And we did well, winning much more than we lost, including several championship titles. Throughout the ups-and-downs of a father-son relationship, when we couldn’t talk about anything else, we always had soccer.

I'm in search of the Beautiful Game, the beauty, the brilliance, the Faustian bargains, the individual and the team. Thanks for reading.

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• Holland vs. Spain: The 2010 FIFA World Cup Final

  Spain's Andres Iniesta settles a tough World Cup final with a memorable shot.

  News by Earl G. Lundquist — on Jul 18, 2010

• The 2010 World Cup Final: Spain And Holland Preview

  Using an old football philosophy (Total Football), Spain and Holland prepare to battle for right to join the ranks of World Cup champions.

  News by Earl G. Lundquist — on Jul 11, 2010

• World Cup Round of 16 Preview

  France, Italy and John Terry Crash, South America Soars, England Survives, and the U.S. Gets Ready for Revenge.

  News by Earl G. Lundquist — on Jun 25, 2010

• World Cup Talking Points

  The strategies, the standouts, and the ugly after a full week in South Africa.

  News by Earl G. Lundquist — on Jun 19, 2010

• World Cup: US Proved They Can Play

  A 1-1 draw against England demonstrated they can overcome adversity, but still need to work on defense.

  News by Earl G. Lundquist — on Jun 12, 2010

• U.S. vs. England: The Match-Ups

  A look at the coaches, players, strengths, and weaknesses of Saturday's American-English showdown in the World Cup.

  News by Earl G. Lundquist — on Jun 09, 2010

• Your World Cup Primer

  What you need to know to get into this year's World Cup in South Africa.

  News by Earl G. Lundquist — on Jun 04, 2010

• Jose Mourinho Takes Over at Real Madrid

  Jose Mourinho becomes Real Madrid's coach with a goal of becoming Europe's best team.

  News by Earl G. Lundquist — on May 31, 2010

• Messi Scores Again, Barcelona Defeat Real Madrid 2-0

  Lionel Messi and Pedro scored to send a regal Barcelona three points clear of outclassed Real Madrid.

  News by Earl G. Lundquist — on Apr 10, 2010

• Barcelona vs. Real Madrid Preview: El Gran Clásico

  Ibrahimovic is out, so it's up to Messi to be the difference-maker.

  Opinion by Earl G. Lundquist — on Apr 09, 2010

• U.S. Soccer On The Bubble

  Team U.S. gets ready for an American dream in South Africa.

  Opinion by Earl G. Lundquist — on Mar 06, 2010

• Chelsea's Loss and the Corruption of the Tribe

  Chelsea's losses to Man City and Inter Milan show the scandals are taking their toll.

  News by Earl G. Lundquist — on Feb 27, 2010

• Wenger's Time Is Over

  In back-to-back games, Arsène Wenger’s team shows it doesn’t have what it takes to take be the top team.

  News by Earl G. Lundquist — on Feb 11, 2010

• Brave John Terry Trips Over His Own Sword, or: Why England Won't Win the World Cup

  John Terry gets played yet again and no professional foul will help this time.

  News by Earl G. Lundquist — on Feb 06, 2010

• The Game of Deception

  Soccer, the rhythmic game of deception, and the video replay that wants to control it.

  Opinion by Earl G. Lundquist — on Feb 01, 2010