this is unreal, as i was reading this thread i recalled a time i was at one of my local watering holes that happens to be an irish pub, my friends and i were absolutely captivated by a hurling match. we had never seen anything like it and were amazed to watch a bunch of toothless dudes run around with no helmets or pads swinging around wooden death weapons. it was fast, intense, and even though i had no idea what the rules were it was just amazing. the enthusiasm throughout the game by the fans was also fun to watch.
i love the world cup...it's a shame soccer is not followed more in the states. someone posted their disagreement about how the various leagues in america deem their champions 'world champions'. i have to say, in baseball, basketball, and football the US has arguably the best talent brought in from all over the world, so to say world champions is not really a far fetched claim. however, the MLS could never claim a world champion for their league...just a thought i guess.