Didn't the US make it to quarterfinals of 2002 World Cup & lose in a hard fought game to Germany, the eventual runner-up? Why has everyone chosen to ignore this? That was great team effort! Those players were fit and fast and prepared to play. The difference – no social media! Less sexy to have an American coach who did not seek the spotlight. Bottom line is that objectively we have not improved. Going to be interesting to see US soccer’s debrief analysis and Klinsmann’s analysis. Will they spin it or tell it like it is?
4 Comments
Brock in HK
Objectively, we may not have improved relative to other soccer nations, but we have certainly gotten better on an absolute basis. Lots of rotation in this world cup. Spain and England, two teams supposedly better than USA, both failed to make it into the knockout round. We held Portugal to a draw and made Belgium play 2 hours before they could claim a win. This is in a sport where every country in the world wants to be competitive, not just a few who have the resources to dedicate to the sport. Quite a competitive playing field. Klinsman will tell it like it is which is as I have stated above. Still room to improve, but better than previous outings.
I do anticipate that the US’s standing in soccer will improve over the next 20 years, as concerns about concussions in American football and overall physical punishment in that sport cause more parents of naturally gifted athletes to direct their kids to soccer. Soccer players seem to be able to walk after 10-15 years on the field, whereas football players do not. With less competition for talent, the US men’s soccer team will look like something closer to the women’s soccer team in terms of global ranking.
Jonathan
I think the reason is that the US didn’t win a match and still made it that far. The sports in the US other than soccer are more win/loss oriented.
Clive Rushton
Vern, long time no contact: my bad!
I watched all the WC soccer (obviously, I’m European, duh!) and the standout team to me was the USA. Their energy, focus and commitment were second to none. It’s very early days in the development of US soccer but the rest of the world had better watch out if Uncle Sam stays on the same improvement track.
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