Soccer is one of the oldest sports but the origins are unknown, though it was played in ancient China and Mexico, sometimes as a matter of life and death. Soccer superstars can play for 90 minutes straight due to their great fitness levels. While soccer is generally enjoyed, there is also violence at times. The soccer ball is essential to the game without which soccer could not be played. The World Cup, held every four years, is one of the biggest global events and sees 23 countries compete to win. While soccer lags behind other sports in popularity in America, stars like Pele and Beckham have helped increase interest in recent decades. The sport can be played almost anywhere with just a ball and a desire to play