Newswise — As the kick-off for the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil approaches on June 12, Drexel University professor of psychology and director of athletics Eric Zillmer, PsyD, is available to comment on a wide range of topics related to the tournament, as well as issues of soccer culture, fan behavior, social context of sport, doping and performance enhancement and the game of soccer.

He has written extensively in the areas of sports psychology, having published more than 100 journal articles, chapters and books. He frequently contributes to local and national media, including appearances on C-SPAN and MSNBC.

Zillmer founded the sports management program at Drexel and teaches a course in sports psychology. He lived overseas for 20 years and has a unique perspective on the world of soccer globally.

He can discuss the psychology of soccer, U.S. soccer, the game globally and the influence of soccer on American sports and culture.

Some potential questions he could answer include:• Is Brazil ready to host the World Cup? Is it safe to travel there?• Is winning a bid to host the World Cup a curse or a blessing?• What kind of impact does the World Cup have on the host country before, during and after the event? • Will the United States ever host another World Cup?• What are the political implications of the World Cup? • What can we learn from the World Cup in South Africa?• Will a successful World Cup for the Unites States Men’s National Team change U.S. soccer forever?• And what does this World Cup mean for soccer in the city of Philadelphia?

**** Eric Zillmer is available to be interviewed from the VideoLink satellite studio in Philadelphia *****###

News Media Contact: Alex McKechnie, News Officer, University Communications 215-895-2705 or [email protected]

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