Soccer: An American Game

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SEAN GALLUP/GETTY

A GROWING ATTACHMENT: Americans watch as the United States plays in the 2006 World Cup

Claudio Reyna has a unique perspective on European soccer. One of the first Americans to feature regularly in Europe, he captained Wolfsburg in the Bundesliga, led Manchester City in the English Premiership, and won a championship with Glasgow Rangers in Scotland; he's played against 11 of the national teams heading for Euro 2008, including Italy, whom the U.S. fought to a wild 1-1 draw in the last World Cup. "They are born tacticians," says Reyna of the Italians. "They force you into positions. Watching them defend as a national team, it's really an art."

Italy is a favorite...