The Shirtless Men of the World Cup

With the United States facing off against Ghana in a second-round World Cup matchup Saturday, the game could be the most watched since the USA's 1994 World Cup loss to Brazil.

Soccer fever is sweeping the country -- even former president Bill Clinton is addicted, heading to Pretoria, South Africa, for Wednesday's game, and changing his itinerary so he could stick around for Ghana. And unlike most other athletes, soccer stars from around the world seem to be really in touch with their fans, the bodies -- even each other.

Check out some of The Advocate's favorite photos from the 2010 World Cup -- including some fans who've stripped down to get into the spirit.

Tim Cahill of Australia looks dejected after victory in the game but elimination from the tournament in the 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa Group D match between Australia and Serbia at Mbombela Stadium on June 23 in Nelspruit, South Africa.

Lukas Podolski of Germany leaves the field dejected after losing to Serbia in 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa Group D match at Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium on June 18 in Port Elizabeth, South Africa.

Klaas Jan Huntelaar of the Netherlands celebrates victory after the 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa Group E match between Netherlands and Japan at Durban Stadium on June 19 in Durban, South Africa.

Paraguayan fans watch their country's FIFA World Cup 2010 match against New Zealand on a huge screen in downtown Asuncion June 24. Paraguay qualified for the Round of 16.

Dimitrios Salpingidis celebrates after the 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa Group B match between Greece and Nigeria at the Free State Stadium on June 17 in Mangaung/Bloemfontein, South Africa.

Nigeria's striker Obafemi Martins (R) walks past a teammate at the end of the Group B first round 2010 World Cup football match between Nigeria and South Korea on June 22, 2010 at Moses Mabhida stadium in Durban. Nigeria coach Lars Lagerback said he was disappointed to see his side crash out of the World Cup, but remained upbeat about his players' performance.

Former President Bill Clinton and celebrates the U.S. win over Algeria with Carlos Bocanegra in the locker room in Pretoria, South Africa, June 24.

Stephane Grichting of Switzerland celebrates after victory in the 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa Group H match with Spain at Durban Stadium on June 16 in Durban, South Africa.

Fernando Torres of Spain looks dejected after defeat in the 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa Group H match between Spain and Switzerland at Durban Stadium on June 16 in Durban, South Africa.

Bastian Schweinsteiger of Germany speaks to teammate Holger Badstuber after the 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa Group D match between Germany and Australia at Durban Stadium on June 13 in Durban, South Africa.

Landon Donovan of the United States waves to fans with teammate Steve Cherundolo after the 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa Group C match between Slovenia and USA at Ellis Park Stadium on June 18 in Johannesburg, South Africa.

South Korea's defender Cha Du-Ri (R) celebrates after their Group B first round 2010 World Cup football match on June 22, 2010 at Moses Mabhida stadium in Durban. The match ended in a draw 2-2.

Denmark fans enjoy the atmosphere during the 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa Group E match between Denmark and Japan at the Royal Bafokeng Stadium on June 24 in Rustenburg, South Africa.

Steven Gerrard of England applauds the fans after a draw in the 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa Group C match between England and USA at the Royal Bafokeng Stadium on June 12 in Rustenburg, South Africa.

Dejected Ryan Nelsen of New Zealand raises a smile after a goalless draw and elimination in the 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa Group F match between Paraguay and New Zealand at Peter Mokaba Stadium on June 24 in Polokwane, South Africa.

New Zealand striker Shane Smeltz (right) shakes hands with supporters at the end of his team's Group F first round 2010 World Cup match with Paraguay on June 24 at Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane. The match ended in a 0-0 draw.

A supporter of Italy's football team holds up a flag at the start of the Group F first round 2010 World Cup football match between Slovakia and Italy on June 24, 2010 at Ellis Park stadium in Johannesburg.

Ghana defender John Paintsil waves Ghana's national flag as he celebrates after his team's Group D first round 2010 World Cup football match against Germany June 23 at Soccer City stadium in Soweto, a suburb of Johannesburg. Germany won the match 1-0, but both teams will continue to the next round.

Tommy Smith of New Zealand is dejected after a goalless draw and elimination in the 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa Group F match against Paraguay at Peter Mokaba Stadium on June 24 in Polokwane, South Africa.