Buffington does a great job of defining national culture and its construction and does a fascinating examination of the role of soccer in the US.  He describes national identity saying that:

“These assertions often evince the notion of national singularity through reference to two intertwined themes: internal homogeneity and external difference. The claim of internal homogeneity emphasizes collective similarities over domestic variation by highlighting what members of a national community share, such as common history, traditions, sense of place, and other mutual experiences (McClintock, 1997).” (pg. 136-7)

Buffington then talks about how the U.S. put themselves onto the in side by being indifferent and not care about soccer and the World Cup.  He continues, “A writer noted that “for most youths, soccer means Mom dropping them at practice in the minivan and picking them up two hours later” (Zeigler, May 29, 2002). (pg. 143)  I think its really cool how he says, “If passion for the sport could unite entire countries (at least metaphorically) then indifference served a similar function for the United States.” (pg.147)