With the United States Men’s National Team off to a hot start and facing Australia on Friday, is the World Cup the ultimate ticket for a sports fan?

Evan Rawal, Avalanche reporter

Answer: Yes and no.

If money is no object, it sure looks hard to beat the atmosphere at the World Cup, being able to watch the best futbol players in the world while surrounded by super fans from all over the globe.

How can you beat that? The World Cup is up there.

But I have a different idea.

I’m thinking right down the middle. Centre Court, actually.

Having attended the US Open in New York and witnessed a match at Arthur Ashe Stadium, it was an unforgettable experience. The crowd gets really into it, there’s incredible suspense, and the level of play is off the charts. The only way to improve the scenario would be hopping a flight to England to catch Final Match on Centre Court at Wimbledon. 

Tennis has taken a backseat in recent years, especially with the rise of everyone’s favorite ACL-destroying game, Pickleball. But there’s nothing better than seeing two of the best tennis players in the world go head-to-head in a match. Seeing that happen at Wimbledon — the oldest and most prestigious tournament of them all — would be unmatched. 

Sure, it’s not a team sport, but that makes it more exciting.

Two elite athletes going mano y mano on a grand stage. What’s better than that?

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Paul Klee, sports editor

Answer: Ask me two weeks ago, and the World Cup wouldn’t crack my top 10.

But after Lionel Messi’s hat trick at Arrowhead Stadium? And seeing 68,000-plus packed into Levi’s Stadium… for a Jordan-Austria match? While my son counts down the days until the United States plays again?

It’s probably top three: 1. The Masters 2. Final Four 3. World Cup.

Strolling Augusta National with your Dad sounds like sports heaven on earth. Nothing beats a Final Four with your team still standing. And this World Cup has been must-see TV.

It’s a crying shame Denver whiffed on its World Cup bid. While Denver has far more problems than hosting soccer matches, missing on the World Cup sums up the state of the city. With more people moving out than moving in, it’s no longer the destination it was even five years ago.

Good news! The Denver Gazette is on the road to bring the World Cup to your favorite sports section. Look for Chris Tomasson’s first-hand report on Sunday from a Brazil match. And more to come as the tournament moves forward.

Now it’s back to The Masters ticket lottery. And hoping the Penner Sports Group brings a Final Four to New Mile High. Oh, and the USMNT on Friday.

Can’t wait.