Sublime touches, languid pace, creativity ... the sheer joy of what they call "jogo bonito, " or the beautiful game.

WSJ: Soccer: Socrates, Brazil's Philosopher King - Marcotti

Anecdotally, parents say it has to do with the game's languid pace and the fact that other sports do a better job forcing kids to stay alert.

WSJ: As Baseball Season Beings, Kids Are Losing Interest in the National Pastime