As a result, Arsene Wenger went for Germany international defender Per Mertesacker in order to bolster his defense. A 10 million pound bid was enough to convince Mertesacker’s club to let him join Arsenal. Mertesacker came with a great reputation but also worries about his lack of pace. Ever since he has joined Arsenal he has had some mixed performances. He has had poor moments where his lack of mobility is a problem, but he has also been a commanding presence in other situations.

When he combined with Laurent Koscielny, Mertesacker managed to form a good partnership. Laurent has greater pace and compensated for Mertesacker’s shortcomings. Together they have helped Arsenal shore up at the back and continue their charge for a top four finish.

But there are some events that are bigger than soccer and put Germany’s number one sport in perspective. The massive earthquake that took place in Japan in March 2011 is one such example. As if the earthquake alone wasn’t damaging enough, tsunami waves caused massive damage inland, including to dangerous nuclear power facilities. The death toll reached over 15,000 people, with even more injured and many buildings and homes lost.

Despite being a non-sports event, German sports broadcasters put aside their sports content to inform viewers of the catastrophe that had occurred in Japan. Even after various soccer matches across Germany ended, the post-game interviews with coaches and players were mainly focused on inquiring about whether or not friends and family members in Japan were alright, rather than on the game itself. Many players wore a black arm band of mourning out of respect for the Japanese people.

Soccer plays and the German media alike encouraged Germans to “Pray for Japan.”

Milan will need to get goals from other sources without Ibra. They are going to be relying a lot on the likes of Robinho, Pato, Seedorf and Prince Boateng. These are players who have done well for Milan in patches, but are not the consistent goal scoring threat that Ibra is. In Ibra’s absence they will all have to work a little bit harder. That is always the case when a top player is missing through injury or suspension. Milan should be able to get through most of the games, but it is the Juventus game that will worry them. They will have to be 100 on their game defensively, so they do not have to score too many to win. If they manage that they should get through this period unscathed.

While watching a youth match that was taking place before his son Romeo was set to hit the pitch, a penalty was called on one of the seven year old players. The referee deemed it appropriate to force the young culprit out of the game, a call which Beckham protested from the sideline, believing that a player of such a young age should not be kicked out of the game. Feeling his authority challenged, the referee stuck Beckham with a red card and ordered him out of the soccer park.

Beckham obliged and left the area for the remainder of the game, but was allowed back into the park for his son Romeo’s game. He admitted to being surprised by the referee’s decision, as he is usually a welcome presence by both the children and their parents at youth soccer matches.

Beckham is no stranger to red cards during his own professional soccer career, having amassed four with Real Madrid and even more in international play. His most infamous red card came against Argentina in the 1998 FIFA World Cup.

Soccer, as it is called in the United States, has yet to fully bloom into the sensation it is in the rest of the world. It is often considered a niche sport, and is usually watched by devoted fans and immigrants. Yet when the World Cup arrives, the country becomes instantly engaged. The World Cup provides a broadening of cultures within the United States, as viewers are able to catch a glimpse of the world’s most popular sport. Fans and non-fans alike partake in the celebration, as the games are increasingly becoming bigger events throughout bars in the United States.

Although the United States does not follow soccer as devoutly as the rest of the world, the World Cup is increasing its statue as the ultimate sporting event.