(Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images)
Over the last week, Americans were treated to some of the best competition in international football.
From coast to coast, supporters of four of the world's most followed teams—Club America, Inter Milan, AC Milan, and Chelsea FC—came out for the rare chance to see their favorite clubs in person.
In Los Angeles, over 81,000 came out to see two of the world's greatest teams, Inter Milan and Chelsea, battle in a preseason warmup.
M & T Bank Stadium in Baltimore, Md., was filled to capacity—over 70,000 people—to see AC Milan battle Chelsea FC.
United States National Team star Oguchi Onyewu entered the game in the second half for AC Milan to a boisterous ovation from both sides. Onyewu is just another United States soccer star to take his talents overseas and American fans would love for him to continue his success.
The Milan Derby was even staged outside of Italy for just the third time ever. Fierce rivals for more than a decade, AC Milan and Inter Milan played in front of loyal supporters on a paltry New England Sunday.
The World Football Challenge is a "win-win" situation for all parties involved.
The fans of the world's elite teams are given a rare chance to see their favorite clubs play in the United States.
The clubs are able to battle against fellow elite competition in preseason friendlies and make a fortune off of ticket sales and merchandise revenue. This competition also is free advertising for the teams, as they are able to sell their name to an entirely new continent of people.
In the future, possible ways to improve the World Football Challenge include adding more teams, thus scheduling more games and giving people in other areas of the country a chance to see the world's elite.
Also, the organizers could consider making it a tournament that consists of two four team pools, and then having a four team playoff to decide the winner.
Overall, the inaugural World Football Challenge should be considered a success. The high attendances it produced all over the country are proof enough that Americans do love "football."
Oh, did I mention that the World Football Challenge brought out Hollywood babes Alyssa Milano and Charlize Theron?
The other "figurative" pieces of the event's success.
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