TIMEOUT: Five reasons I love the World Cup

Boy, do I enjoy the World Cup.

I started watching it back in 2002 and have been hooked ever since.

So what turns a non-soccer fan like me into an addict every four years? Here are my top five reasons.

1. Vuvuzelas!
I love the crazy buzz of the vuvuzelas. You know, those horns that rabid fans blow throughout the game that sound like a giant swarm of bees descending on the field?

Some people are pretty irritated by them, so much that FIFA has been asked to ban them. But I disagree. Let the fans have their fun and stop trying to change a tradition South Africa has done well before the Cup landed in its backyard.

2. Wacky regulations.
The rules are unlike anything you see in most American sports. What kind of game clock counts up to the final minutes, not down?

How many other sports leave you a man short for the remainder of the game if a player gets tossed out?

How can referees decide to add more time to the end of regulation to compensate for injuries and other on-field, in-game infractions?

3. Cultural beauty.
I love watching the display of different cultures throughout the competition. Think of it as a light version of the Olympics' Parade of Nations.

The fans are always decked out in their country's native colors. The players have their own distinct celebrations and dances after scoring goals.

It's a chance to watch the rest of the world celebrate its national pastime, and a reminder of just how uniquely wonderful we are.

4. The fighting spirit.
When it comes to athletics, the United States is often considered to be the best. But the World Cup is different.

It's no secret we aren't a soccer nation. We don't watch it. We're not the best team. The 1-1 tie against England Saturday was considered a victory, mainly because we were expected to lose.

Frankly, it's much more exciting to see America fighting its way to the top.

5. Goals are super-exciting.
Maybe it's the idea that you don't see much happening for most of a 90-minute game. But when I see a team on the attack, setting up for a strike, and that ball shoots past the goalkeeper, it really does make me cheer.

My reasons may not be enough to make you a convert. But I hope it's enough to make you take a peek before the games end July 11.

Just hit the mute button and enjoy in silence, if necessary.