1.   No matter, because soccer does appear to have rules for some other reason than something to hang on the wall.

2.   Spanish soccer appears to be adjusting to modern times better than some of its more populous neighbors.

3.   At that point, England was last in its group and English soccer appeared to be sliding to an all-time low.

4.   But then came Korea, a side whose physical fitness and staying power at times made European soccer appear old and stale.

5.   Just a few years ago, Yugoslav soccer appeared doomed by sanctions.

6.   Soccer now appears to be fostering a sense of unity among Arabs at the World Cup.

7.   The troubles are surfacing just months after Japanese soccer appeared to have finally arrived on the international stage with its World Cup debut in France.