Like many Americans I played some soccer as a child but rather than have people spread out around the field so it was more of a man on man sport, it was simply a cluster of people kicking like crazy in hopes of making contact with the ball. My goal was always to be selected as a midfield player and stay away from the cluster, kicking the ball as far from me as possible when it came my way so I wouldn't get bruised ankles. We didn't really learn any type of strategy or position play. So while I enjoy catching an occasional match I don't have a firm grasp of the rules. But watching today's opening match between South Africa (the host nation of the 2010 FIFA World Cup) and Mexico in 3D surrounded by passionate fans from both nations was a terrific experience and hopefully will be the first of many visits to the ESPN Wide World of Sports Grill during the World Cup which continues through July 11th.

During the Group Stage aka First Round (now through June 25th) the Grill offers a light breakfast menu for the early morning games. I enjoyed a tasty egg&cheese bagel with apple juice. Afternoon matches will offer the standard menu of sandwiches, burgers, etc. With the later rounds aka Sweet 16, then semi finals (begins June 26) the menu changes to a $19.99 all-you-care-to-eat buffet (advanced reservations suggested and can be booked through 407 WDW DINE). After putting down my $100 fully-refundable deposit for Sony 3D glasses I grabbed a spot at an empty table. There does appear to be a limited number of the high quality 3D glasses available so I would recommend getting to the match early if that's key to your viewing enjoyment. Standard 3D glasses like you receive at the theaters do permit you to view the 3D screens but don't offer the presentation of the Sony glasses which are powered and sync with the TV. The 3D images were crystal clear including the Toy Story 3 in 3D trailer that played during the half (it, too, received cheers. gotta love Disney cast pride). I didn't experience any eye fatigue as I do when watching 3D films in the theater and the glasses fit comfortably over prescription lenses. The 3D feed is completely different from the standard feed with far less cuts which honestly made it easier for me to follow play. When they would cut to the goal keeper kicking away, it was as if he was standing in the room with you kicking back into the tv.

While the technology was impressive it was the energy and excitement of watching the sport with others that I had not experienced before and has infected me with World Cup Fever (in fact I have the afternoon URU v FRA game on now).

With multiple large screens surrounding the upper portion of the venue and 6 large 3D televisions setup around eye level it was easy to find a good spot to catch the action. Fans (most with families including teens or younger children) were decked out in face paint, national flags and home jerseys were chanting and cheering. Some had large horns to blast. Controversial calls were whistled down. It was really a great time.

So I encourage my fellow sports fans (especially Americans) to venture out to a local sports bar or grill that is marketing World Cup viewing because as I discovered today soccer is meant to be watched with others (especially others who are passionate for the sport) and if you're heading to Walt Disney World or live nearby -- here's this week's matches that will be presented in 3D.

ESPN Wide World of Sports Grill FIFA World Cup Viewing Parties

Free Admission, no cover during Group Stage Games (June 11 - June 25) (link)
$100 fully refundable deposit for Sony 3D glasses
Round of 16 Quarter Finals, Semi Finals and 3rd Place (June 26 - Jul 10) $19.99 per person buffet (link)