TIME Magazine content is available exclusively for TIME subscribers.

Current subscribers for full access. Not a TIME subscriber? .

Games: Global Fever

The World Cup—a buxom, foot-tall lady hefting an octagonal bowl on her shoulders—is probably the world's least artistic trophy. Without a doubt, it is the most coveted. For the unlovely lady is symbolic of supremacy in the world's most popular sport, football—or soccer, as it is known in the U.S. This week, as the teams move into the final contests for the World Cup, the world is gripped by perhaps the most severe case of football fever in history.

The quadrennial matches are being held this time in Britain, where modern football...

Time.com on Digg

POWERED BY digg

Quotes of the Day »

ADELE, multi Grammy-award winning singer, in an interview given to Vogue before last Sunday's ceremony, on her plans to take a lengthy break. Her last album 21 was inspired by a failed relationship but the Londoner is now "madly in love"
For use in rail of Articles page or Section Fronts pages. Duplicate and change name as necesssary to distinguish.