In anticipation of one of the world’s most anticipated sporting events, all eyes are focused on the million dollar stadiums and years-of-development new soccer ball Jabulani of the 2010 World Cup.  But being possibly the most popular sport on Earth, while also being one of the simplest (one ball, two goals, and a handful of players), soccer is played on every level from the elite World Cup all the way down to back-alley pickup games.  In the documentary Pelada, two former collegiate soccer players, unready to be done with the game, seek out the common denominator between prisoners in Bolivia, moonshine distillers in Kenya, construction workers in South Africa, and futbol enthusiasts all over the world – the pickup game.   Pelada premiered last April at Durham’s Full Frame Documentary Festival, and continues to be shown across the country.  I saw some earlier cuts of the movie, but haven’t been able to catch the final version – hopefully they’ll head back to the Triangle soon!

Also, don’t forget to enter our World Cup Pool before kickoff on Friday – details here.