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Today, my Iraqi counterpart wanted to talk futbol.  After all, the U.S. just pulled off a surprising victory and help to advance to the semifinals round of the Confederations Cup.  "Did you see the game on Sunday?"

Like most Americans, I do not get overly excited about watching soccer, and that fact does not do me any favors in the realm of small talk.  Thinking about it, the U.S. would do well to pay more attention to the sport that is loved worldwide.

Every four years, soccer fans enjoy the World Cup.  But the year before the world cup, the host country gets a trial run with a tournament featuring a team from each continent:  the Confederations Cup.

Each continent has a FIFA (Fédération Internationale de Football Association) confederation championship.  The United States is part of the Confederation of North, Central American and Caribbean Association Football (CONCACAF) with North American, Central American and Caribbean American nations.  Therefore, the U.S. plays teams like Mexico, Canada, Costa Rica and El Salvador.

In the last CONCACAF Gold Cup in 2007, the U.S. beat Guatemala 1-0 to claim one of the eight spots in the 2009 Confederations Cup.  Other teams in the tournament include:  Brazil, Egypt, Iraq, New Zealand, Italy (2006 World Cup winner), Spain, South Africa (host).

The U.S. lost its first two matches versus Brazil and Italy and looked to have little chance at advancing to the semifinals.  In order to advance, the U.S. had to beat Egypt by three goals along with Italy losing to Brazil and scoring fewer goals than the U.S.

This past Sunday, the U.S. team beat the odds and the improbable occurred.  Just as required, U.S. beat Egypt 3-0 and Brazil beat Italy 3-0.  The U.S. advanced to the semifinals versus Spain with a 1-0-2 losing record.

I had seen the headline, so I was vaguely familiar with the U.S. advancing to the next round.  But I hardly knew enough to sustain a conversation.  He knew names of players and which ones scored, he recounted the game by the minutes.

He seemed disappointed that I was not more interested in the sport.  So he explained the entire FIFA structure, the Confederation Cup, and the U.S. team's amazing advancement.

My Iraqi counterpart went on to explain how South Korea and Japan became more serious soccer contenders.  They aired a soccer cartoon, drawing kids' attention at a young age.  Slowly, as the kids grew older, the focus on soccer increased until their national teams improved in skill.  Now, I am not sure if this is the true story, but clearly, my counterpart suggested that the U.S. do the same.

"How can the U.S. show so little interest in the sport that the entire world follows?  Imagine the camaraderie, small talk, elbow rubbing, and elite stature that a powerhouse U.S. team would bring to diplomacy."

He sold me on the benefits.  I read up.  U.S. plays Spain tomorrow in Johannesburg, South Africa.  GO USA!