world cup time. for the first time in the 80-year history, the cup is being hosted on african soil. this is an opportunity on the major world stage for the continent to put on a good show. maybe change some stereo types out there. showcase a special relationship, also, with the game of soccer, or football they would call it everywhere else beside the u.s. the national sport of the entire continent there is soccer. steve bloomfield has spent the last year detailing the unified effect soccer has on frik. how the game has helped shape the continent. he s also the author of the book africa united. he s joining us from south africa. good morning. we appreciate you being here. sum it up for a lot of people. you know, it s not that popular, the game of sock ner the united states. but it s the most popular sport in the world. but why a special relationship. why does this game mean so much on that continent? well, thank you for having me