Want to Travel the World?

Joining the Army will send you around the world all expenses paid for, right? That's what the posters say. And it's not that complicated, mind you. Just ask your mom or dad about Forrest Gump. He discovered the golden rule of military success. Just yell back "Yes sir!" whenever some stone faced officer asks you anything. Do that and you'll be on the next shipment of privates bound to any corner of the globe.

Soccer may open for you an even wider and way more fun filled door onto the www: whole wide world. Just look at these numbers. Relax. It's not a math test. The numbers: there are 736 players competing in the World Cup 2010 in South Africa. Out of them, 73 were not born in the countries they are representing. Now, the test. Do the math, don't forget to check your work.

Question: What is the percentage of footballers representing countries they were not born in?

Answer: ... (need some help? Let me whisper it: 10%).

More or less. Give or take a tenth or two.

Ever since World Cup II way back in 1934, soccer has provided a window for young guys coming from afar to reinforce the squads of other countries. Italy, the champion back then, relied on an Argentine born forward who was key to their success. However, this free movement of people across boundaries had never been this high. The Algerian team tops the list: 17 of the 23 guys on the squad are French born. There are US born South Koreans, a Japanese on the North Korean team, a Brazilian on the German one, and perhaps the most curious twists of globe-trotting fate: the Boateng brothers. They both were born in Germany to Ghanaian parents. One of them is in South Africa wearing the German jersey, the other one remained on Ghana's side.

So, take heart! If you don't have the looks of a Christian Ronaldo, the magic touch of a Lionel Messi, the fearsome strength of a Didier Drogba, the leadership acumen of a Landon Donovan, the accuracy of a Kaka but still you want to embrace the world and love the party that takes place on a soccer pitch... what the heck! Go for it. Kick that ball as if your life depend on it, lest you be on the next shipment of privates bound to any corner of the globe.

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