I have San Diego soccer growth to thank for the World Cup holding more appeal this time around.

Major League Soccer matches in Mission Valley have deepened my appreciation for both the world’s game and the immensity of international football’s growing pool of talent.

The Denmark-San Diego story accounts for much of this development.

Danish imports Anders Dreyer, Jeppe Tverskov and Marcus Ingvartsen have distinguished themselves in America’s top league since joining San Diego FC two years ago. They’ve set a standard for technical skill, creativity and teamwork, rewarding local fans.

Alas, Europe boasts hundreds of impressive players — and that’s why we’re not seeing Dreyer and Denmark in this World Cup.

Three months ago in Prague, the Czech Republic beat Denmark on penalty kicks in a World Cup qualifier, denying Dreyer, 28, and the Nordic country their first and seventh appearances, respectively, in the sport’s pinnacle event.

A clever wing, Dreyer came off the bench in the second half and assisted a goal that tied the match 2-2, only to see his penalty-kick shot turned away in the shootout.

A number of the 48 World Cup teams in this year’s expanded field would like to have Dreyer on their 26-man roster. And I can’t believe that either Ingvartsen, a 30-year-old forward who has scored 11 goals in 15 matches this year, or the heady Tverskov, 33, would’ve been out of place with a few of the World Cup’s pronounced underdogs.

Road goes through Europe

European teams aren’t invincible. Cape Verde’s tie on Monday with Spain, ranked second in the world by FIFA, was another sign that African soccer is trending upward.

Even so, a figurative European Union flag could’ve been raised Friday in the Kroenke Dome as the United States rolled to a 4-1 win against Paraguay. Eighteen players on the U.S. roster are employed by European clubs.

Among FIFA’s top 12, nine are European teams. Seventh-ranked Morocco, touted by ex-U.S. player and current University of San Diego coach Brian Quinn as a threat to take the trophy, employs 20 players from European clubs.

Dreyer, Tverskov and Ingvartsen played several seasons in different European leagues. They’ve shared their hard-earned wisdom with teammates in San Diego. One can almost expect that one of SDFC’s young starters, center back Manu Duah, will play in the next World Cup on behalf of either his native Ghana or the United States.

Long ago, the World Cup became one of my preferred sports events.

Having an MLS team in town only adds to the five-week soccer feast.

Two to watch

LAFC’s Son Heung-min of South Korea stands as MLS’ most capable goal-scorer in this World Cup other than, of course, Inter Miami’s Lionel Messi of top-ranked Argentina.

Mexico’s thin air will further test the 33-year-old South Korean, who logged 68 minutes in his team’s 2-1 comeback victory against the Czech Republic. Thursday, he’ll go against co-host Mexico, trying to add to his total of three goals and an assist in 11 World Cup matches dating to 2014.

San Diego FC fans wouldn’t be surprised if FC Dallas’ Petar Musa of Croatia, who had four goals in two matches against SDFC, boosts MLS’ profile as a first-time participant in the World Cup. England doesn’t figure to be nearly so vulnerable, but when Croatia and England meet Wednesday in Dallas, the 28-year-old striker figures to be in the starting lineup.