The 2014 FIFA World Cup Month of Glorious Insanity

Memories of the 2010 World Cup in South Africa are still vivid in the minds of soccer fans around the globe. In no particular order of remembrance, Spain beat the Netherlands 1-0 with an extra time goal, the endless blare of the plastic horns called vuvuzelas drove a billion TV viewers to the brink of suicide, and the official song was Waka Waka which was performed at the closing ceremony by Columbian Superstar Shakira. (Bet you forgot that one.)

This year marks the 20th anniversary of the World Cup with play beginning on June 12th in Brazil. 32 teams will grind their way through the most intense playoff format in professional sports until the final two teams meet on July 13th in the championship game. Spain, Brazil, England, Argentina and perennial powerhouse Germany are the early favorites but, as in all sports, hope springs eternal for fans of every team. However it goes, the world will have soccer on the brain for the next six weeks.

Which brings me to American professional soccer, the MLS. This week one of the most storied players in MLS history, Landon Donovan, was snubbed by the US Men’s National Team. No World Cup for Landon. Predictably, American soccer fans are outraged and not just because he’s the beloved elder statesman of American professional soccer. It is a popularly held belief that Landon Donovan is still one of the better players in the US with a ton of experience on the international stage. The guy has scored more points in international play that any American player. Ever. But this is World Cup soccer and US coach Jurgen Klinsmann has ice water in his veins. He loves and respects Landon but thinks he’s past his prime. Maybe so, we'll just have to wait and see. So now Donavan will be watching from the sidelines with another elder statesman and former LA Galaxy teammate, David Beckham.

Landon Donovan & David Beckham Autographed 8x10 Photo