On Saturday, the United States lost for the second time in consecutive World Cups to Ghana. It was a sad day for soccer fans in the United States. The one consistent remark I’ve received from soccer fans around the globe was that the U.S. played a fair game. A very respectable comment from my colleagues around the world, as we were obviously a team that was not favored in the sport, or politically by the referees. Despite the loss, as I posted before, I love this tournament and will continue to watch. I watched the game on Saturday at a bar in NYC, Firefly, with fellow fans of the sport, all decked out in red, white and blue. It was a sight to see with 200 people watching 10 big-screen TVs as if it was the end of the world if we didn’t win. Luckily, it wasn’t the end of the world, even with our defeat and valiant effort. However, it reminded me how fun it is to watch a sporting event on a national level. I bonded with people I never met before and will probably never see again, but it equals the same feeling I get when traveling, When on the road, or in an airplane, everyone is on the same playing field with something in common. Sports were a big part of my life growing up, and it’s a great way to bond with a new culture. If you’re curious about new sports or opportunities to learn about sports in different cultures, check out our monthly “Global Games” column to see what adventures in sport await you on your next trip! — Alex Young, vice president and associate publisher