Most people around the world at least know what it is, even if they don't have a special love to this sport. Also known as football, soccer is the most celebrated team sport, played in almost all parts of the world, except where it is too costly to get a ball. We have several heroes and even more antiheroes in this game. While we can't forget the magic of Pele's legs, we can't also forget how legendry Maradona has thrown away his reputed career by succumbing to cocaine and ephedrine in two occasions and leading his retirement life with an overweight, ill-healthy body.

Soccer has given some unforgettable memories. It has also given us some forgettable memories too. You can't point one moment the most memorable ? however, the truth is soccer is such a wonderful game that you can pick half a dozen moments and they are all 'the greatest moments' of a century and a millennium.

There isn't something so attractive and fascinating as soccer. There can be other games that evoke tension, drama and pull a big crowd. However, nothing comes close to the magic of soccer. It is not just about the world cup matches ? club matches also go down the wire, letting their fans worldwide watch the climax with crossed fingers.

People around the world watch in anticipation, the results of matches, even if they are played in the United States or in the Europe, the excitement goes deep into the cities and villages of Australia, India, South Africa and almost all countries of the world. There are fans who enjoy American soccer, European football, club football and great football at all levels. It is one great thing to have footballers going for the best results, while spending their blood and sweat.

To be part of a soccer team is a special experience. You can be a defender, goal keeper, forward, goal scorer, goal stopper, facilitator of goals ? you have your role cut out in the field. When you deliver your task, it is glory for your team. If you fail, it is tears for you and your team. It may be just a sport ? however, like in war, winning is the only thing in soccer. A failure is a disaster ? you are destined to experience failures too.

Several years of experience, toiling, sweat and blood will have its pay one day. Soccer players all dream of one day, the day in which the whole world looks at them in with admiring eyes. Nobody can take it away from them, on their day of honour.

Soccer is the all consuming game. It is not just about boots and balls, but also about the brain and the heart. If you haven't been bitten by the soccer bug yet, you seriously lack something ? maybe a sportive spirit.