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Hell Yes it is World Cup Time.

I am so excited about the World Cup, I hardly know what to do. Since age 4, soccer has always played an important part in my life.

I was heavily influenced by my older brother Matt, and he took up soccer at an early age. So, the minute I was of age (age 5), I was signed up for the Winston-Salem Optimist Club Youth Soccer program. My first team was the Rangers.

I have loved (and played) the game ever since: playing a bit in high school, intramurals at UNCG, at the YMCA - and later coaching at NBHS, and playing here as an adult in Asheville. But as a global history dork - I simply love the world cup for what it is - an expression of peaceful internationalism through soccer. That is so badass (though the British conquest of 1/4 of all people on earth may have helped the spread a bit).

The first WC was in Uruguay in 1930, and it has essentially captivated the world ever since. And that is the thing: In the world of World Cup, there is no difference in Uruguay, the USA, North Korea, Germany, South Africa, or Cameroon.

Each nation just wants to play soccer. And I just want to watch it. Beautiful.

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