Just when you thought the story behind Landon Donovan's historic goal on Wednesday couldn't get any better, there are reports that the goal may lead to Donovan reconciling with his wife, actress Bianca Kajlich ("Rules of Engagement").

The couple had separated in July 2009. In an emotional post match interview Wednesday, Donovan concluded by turning to the camera and saying, "Hey Bianca," then blew a kiss. Donovan and Kajlich reportedly had a long telephone conversation into the wee hours of Thursday morning.

This was a great sports story. Add the subplot of a love story? I'm thinking Hollywood movie (I'd cast "Deadwood" and "Justified" star Timothy Olyphant to play Donovan).

There's no question the U.S. has fared well at the World Cup because 19 of the 23 players on the squad compete for foreign clubs, 17 in Europe. No offense to the MLS, which is building a nice niche in American sports consciousness, but the talent level in European leagues is superior to our professional league. Playing against that kind of competition is great preparation for the game's premier event. And constantly being around fans who consider each match a matter of life and death reinforces the necessary sense of urgency.

Let's face it. If the Kansas City Wizards lose to the Columbus Crew, the majority of the K.C. citizenry isn't going to lose a lot of sleep. But if Everton falls on a late goal against Manchester United, an entire nation will talk about nothing else for days and weeks to come. But our MLS is getting there. The ideal future scenario will see our domestic league being as skilled as anyone's, producing top flight talent for the national team.

Is anyone out there getting an early sense of Déjà vu, from oh, say 30 years ago? This might be a stretch but I'm starting to see parallels between this Team USA and the Miracle on Ice bunch from 1980. A hardworking group of underdogs. A significant 2-2 tie in the qualifying round that propelled the team forward (the hockey team tied Sweden, the soccer squad tying Slovenia).

True, it's early. And this bunch would need to pull off a few surprises, including a USSR-like upset of Argentina or Brazil to reach this gold medal round.

Speaking of which, I saw four guys wearing Brazil soccer jerseys at Summerfest yesterday, guys who didn't look like they had a lot of family in South America.

I think if you can't name at least three players on the squad (and Ronaldinho doesn't count since he didn't make the final cut) you shouldn't be able to wear the shirt. One other Summerfest food sidebar: for how long can "Dippin' Dots" call itself "the ice cream of the future?" Isn't there some kind of marketing statute of limitations?

Okay, back to soccer and tomorrow's game. Is it a little unnerving for the American players to take on a team whose top scorer is named "Pele?" Abedi Pele is the Lebron of Ghana. And don't think this African side is a bunch of overachievers who play barefoot in primitive surroundings. Four of their players compete in the English Premier League, four more in Italy's Serie A and other squad members suit up for Germany's Bundesliga, La Liga in Spain and France's Ligue 1.

This is no Cinderella story. Ghana Got Game.

The U.S. will be looking to avenge a loss to Ghana in 2006 group play, so "payback" could be a factor.

Having watched the U.S.-Algeria match at a crowded soccer bar, I didn't hear much of the commentary so I replayed some of the key moments when I got home. What struck me was how TV analysts and former Team USA players John Harkes and Alexi Lalas were overcome with emotion. Harkes couldn't recap the action immediately after Donovan scored. "Here's the goal," he began, but couldn't continue. Play-by-play announcer Ian Darke instantly recognized the situation and masterfully stepped in to continue the narrative. Lalas was similarly choked up in his post game segment. No criticism here. These men are obviously part of a strong fraternity with few members and lifetime membership.

Many Americans are hoping for more of these moments in the days ahead.