Italy-Germany game one for the ages

I didn't think it was possible, but I was actually enthralled by a soccer game - over the radio.

I flipped on my XM to get a scoring update on to the Italy-Germany semifinal World Cup game. The game was in extra time and the announcing crew screamed with each shot.

The intensity that built was palpable. It was amazing. It was like listening to an overtime NHL playoff game as each shot sailed wide.

Italy pressed and pressed, making pivotal substitutions to keep Germany on the defensive.

The Azzurri's late two goals sent the XM play-by-play man into pandemonium. It was just what soccer could use in the U.S. - a lively, exciting game. It's just too bad the U.S. team couldn't provide it and probably never will.