Soccer Tag

Are you a soccer fan?  Well I guess most soccer fans around the world refer to it as football but to save confusion I'll just stick with calling it soccer.  Besides, its pretty clear that there is only one sport of football in this country.  Anyways, if you are a soccer fan then you should know all about the Gold Cup.  If you don't know about the Gold Cup then you might need to re-commit your fan-hood and get with the program.  The Gold Cup is a very popular event and crucial in determining the best team in North America.

The World Cup moves to Brazil in 2014 and the football/soccer fanatics are already gearing up for what should be an amazing event.  Many consider soccer to be the most popular sport on the planet and in 2014 Brazil will once again play host for the most popular tournament in the world.  The World Cup returns to action on June 13, 2014.  This will be the second time in World Cup history that Brazil will act as host country.  The only previous time was in 1950 when Brazil finished second to fellow South American country Uruguay in a round-robin style final.

Whoa!  This was my first reaction when I first saw this video.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ljb6Mne8Mfc&feature=player

The sport being played in the above video is called Sepak Takraw.  Since the mid-late 19th century, it's been one of the most popular games in Asia.  At first glance, you see a combination of soccer and volleyball.  Players are only allowed to use their feet, knees, chest, and head.  You can NOT use your hands.

There are only three players on each side of the court at one time.  They kick a rattan ball over the net that is generally shorter than the actual player. Each side is awarded a point when either team commits a fault. The first team to 21 points wins.

Can this be a sport we will one day see in the Summer Olympics?  If curling can become a Winter sport, I can't see why Sepak Takraw couldn't be considered as a Summer event.

Sports Traveler own Anbritt Stengele was interviewed on the Greg Jarrett show on WGN Radio. Anbritt discusses traveling to the 2010 World Cup, her new book - Sports Traveler Chicago, and much more.

Listen to the interview!

Pins and needles over here at Sports Traveler as we watch the countdown on FIFA's website for the start of the draw. The Sports Traveler World Cup Travel Page has changed dramatically so check it out. We have just about every type of travel package you can dream up plus hotel lodging for those with your own tickets.

Airfare can be included with any travel package or hotel lodging booking so just give us a call for a quote.

New stuff online: Follow Your Team - USA, Brazil, Australia, England, Mexico and more... we will be adding them all by the end of the draw.

Also, our new Sports Traveler Radio Podcast is now online. Check out here >> Sports Traveler Radio

Exactly one year from today the 2010 World Cup in South Africa begins! Follow Team USA at the 2010 World Cup and travel with soccer legend Marcelo Balboa with this exclusive travel offer. Travel to South Africa, see Team USA World Cup matches, and meet one of the best USA soccer players. Take advantage of this once in a lifetime opportunity!

This special package includes hotel accommodations in Johannesburg for 16 nights, three first round Team USA matches, round trip transportation to the games, round trip airfare, airport transfers, fully escorted by staff and coordinated with Marcelo Balboa, and much more.

View the Follow Team USA Packages with Marcelo Balboa

More 2010 World Cup Soccer Travel Packages 

About Marcelo Balboa: In the 1990s, played for the US National Team where he became their captain. He was dubbed by the American press in 1994 as the "Iron Man," for his durability and reliability in the defense. After retiring from playing, he has worked as a soccer announcer for ESPN