Soccer, Just For Kicks

Citing the sport's role in "creating understanding between people," a Swedish legislator nominated soccer for the 2001 Nobel Peace Prize.

—Jan. 29, 2001

To preempt hooliganism during the World Cup, a Japanese railroad company glued down the stones that line the tracks near Shizuoka soccer stadium.

—June 3, 2002

The physical exam David Beckham (above) took when he signed with Real Madrid was broadcast on pay-per-view TV in Spain.

—July 14, 2003

Arsenal goalkeeper Manuel Almunia was excused from practice to rush home to his wife, who said she had seen a ghost.

—March 3, 2008

A British club soccer game was disrupted when a parrot brought by a fan started imitating the referee's whistle.

—Feb. 2, 2009