This. Is. Football.
[So back this autumn, Ireland and France were in a World Cup playoff game. France won--in a controversial call (Ireland lost 2-1 on aggregate as William Gallas leveled the scores on the night in extra-time in Paris after striker Henry handled the ball in the build-up to the goal--they called handball, cry forever). Ireland has not been happy about this and, until December, was lobbying for a 33rd berth in the World Cup. Alas, no luck, Ireland. You don't get to go play. FIFA has spoken.
Well, that does explain why Ireland's rather forlornly kicking a football (that would be a soccer ball, America) around his yard.
Come and join him if you like. Nothing like a pick-up game to cheer someone up.]