I know I said it before the World Cup started but it was reaffirmed the last few weeks.  Not waking up to world class soccer every day has been depressing already.  I just tried watching the Galaxy against the New England Revolution.  Just shameful.  The World Cup is everything right with sports.  No hour long I Love Myself specials.  No commercials.  No reporters.  Constant action.  The only chink in the armor, unless you don't appreciate the beauty of the sport and need BS scoring every two seconds, is the flopping.  The Ivorian guy who went down like he got shot leading to Kaka's second yellow and suspension should have to actually get shot.  I'll refrain from commenting on the odds of this actually happening to him in the Ivory Coast.

But going back to the positives.  It's the world's sport.  Everyone is paying attention.  The tension builds from the very first whistle.  And most importantly, the camaraderie.  There's nothing like being in a sports bar with everyone singing the national anthem before the game and chanting U.S.A. after amazing comeback wins.

With that, I'll go to my top 10 moments of this World Cup.

10.  France (every minute)

I'm sorry, but I've been to France, and outside of the waiters and waitresses, I have never been treated more poorly in my life.  So to watch the French go down in flames was majestic.  Even Alexi Lalas said, "but it's the French."  I mean they staged a mutiny on their coach.  They got killed in this tournament.  It's France! 

9.  Tevez Strike (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7x__GfjPIlI)

If you like powerful and skillful goals then you had to like this strike.  Mexico had a legitimate complaint after Tevez' first goal wasn't ruled offside when he was off by a good two yards.  Tevez tried to dribble through two players later on, made it through off a deflection, wound his body up, and buried one in the back of the net.  No more complaints from Mexico.

8.  Everything Involving Diego Maradona (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VvOiJpPhAtM&feature=related)

If you didn't see his antics or hear his quotes, I think my friend Alex' brother-in-law, Ryan, said it best as we were putting on tuxes to send Alex off to be wedded:  "Do you think Maradona is going to try to snort the six-yard box during halftime?"  And yes, Maradona holds a rosary during the game.

7.  Bradley's Equalizer (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zXwk6yQzi2U)

I almost made this higher solely because of the fan crying in this clip after we tied it up.  But this game should have ended with a dramatic come from behind win for the U.S.  Instead, that POS referee from Mali called a foul because he hates the U.S.

6.  South Africa Starts Things Off With A Bang (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oS5wXjpKPuI)

Africa's first World Cup.  South Africa is a decent underdog.  And then out of nowhere, it happened.  Plus, the guy who scored it is named Tshabalala.  There's a rule.  If your name is as cool as Tshabalala and you score a goal, even if it's in AYSO, you get on my Top 10 World Cup moments list.

5.  Dempsey's Lucky Strike (not sponsored by Lucky Strike)  (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V8SbnZCe5v4)

The country was amped for the best U.S. team in years.  It was a classic match-up against the country we fought for our independence.  And then England went up about 2 seconds after the game started.  But then it happened.  The Dempsey shot.  From despair to euphoria in two seconds.

4.  The Handball (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YKeixmdFMaI)

The most dramatic play of the most dramatic non-U.S. game of the World Cup.  I'm on board with Suarez here.  It's not cheating.  It's a foul like any other foul.  He was red carded.  The penalty was awarded.  It's like fouling a guy on a fast break.  Make him earn it.

3.  The Best PK In History (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o7idQLhMTbE&feature=related)

You do not understand the guts to go chip middle.  If you don't play soccer, it's tough to explain.  Executing that kick with nobody watching is hard enough.  But what if the keeper reacts late and winds up with a ball in his lap?  What if the goalie guesses middle?  You are the biggest goat in World Cup history.  But it worked out and it was majestic.

2.  The Firecracker (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=muL78cNKusE)

Simply put, the best goal of the tournament aesthetically.  Van Bronckhorst.

1.  The Biggest Goal In American Soccer History (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yyulQLUTJF4)

I will always remember where I was when this went in.  I love any chance to be patriotic.  Landon Donovan gave us a reason to be proud as U.S. soccer fans.  If you want the chills, here's the world's reaction:  (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jbn3rOPmR9w).

THE CHAMP:  SPAIN

I'm not changing my mind now.  The Dutch defense isn't strong enough and the midfielders will have to play back.  The Spanish midfield should control the game with Xavi and Iniesta.  Villa scores for a 1-0 win.