SOCCER GIVES US ANOTHER MOMENT OF GLORY

There are a lot of young girls in Cape Girardeau and around the country who either know or are learning an awful lot about soccer. Along the way, quite a few parents are starting to get the hang of a sport that is far more commonplace in Europe or South American than in Southeast Missouri.

Now, thanks to the high-profile victory of the U.S. women's soccer team in the World Cup match, just about every American is a soccer fan.

Sure, there are some holdouts here and there who grumble and mutter, asking what all the fuss is about. These are the some folks who grumble just as loudly during the World Series or the Superbowl or the Master's -- or even those endless hockey playoffs.

But let's be honest: Isn't it grand when we beat the socks off some country in a sporting event?

There are those who say modern sports are the vestiges of ancient tribal warfare. Over the centuries, tribal leaders realized that killing off all the ablest warriors through frequent battles would lead to no good. So the tribes started holding competitions in which one tribe or the other could walk away with the honor of winning -- but with everyone intact. That's when celebrations began among tribes marking the end of the contests, which is probably how tailgate barbecues first started.

Even those who know next to nothing about soccer got caught up in the women's team as it advanced, game by game, closer to the world championship. And when the final kick was made, millions of Americans who rarely move a muscle in their TV-oriented recliners stood up and cheered.

Remember the hockey team? Remember the basketball team? Remember the 1980 Olympics?

There is something about team sports that lifts up the human spirit and creates, if only for a little while, that special feeling of belonging while supporting and encouraging others to do their very best.

What's in it for the losers? For one thing, they can all go home to their families and friends and be consoled. That's better than being buried on a battlefield any day.

And there's always tomorrow. Winners must be ready to defend their championship. Losers have another opportunity for a moment of glory.