The United States is, perhaps, the most interesting team in the World Cup. At the moment, cultural history and recent success are at odds. For the first time in 80 years, the United States finished first in its group. In fact, one soccer fan held up a sign that read "U.S. Soccer is UnStoppAble" during the United States' victory over Algeria. Around the world, casual fans may wonder when the Americans - the people who refer to the sport as "soccer," instead of the practically universal "football" - became so good. However, for those who have been living under a rock, U.S.A. has evolved into a "team to be reckoned with." The U.S. team has created headlines ever since its opener versus England, which resulted in a 1-1 tie. Ironically, when the groups were drawn, the cover of one English tabloid read: England, Algeria, Slovenia, Yanks (E-A-S-Y). Regardless, the experts knew that things were quite the contrary, the U.S. being a particularly formidable opponent.
When asked whether England's 1-1 draw with the United States came as a shock to English fans, ESPN analyst and former English player, Steve McManaman, shrewdly argued otherwise. “I think probably with people who are not avid followers of football, it was probably a shock. The intelligent fan…will know that U.S.A. Brazil Spain U.S.A.
This reality may have one wondering: "Why is the United States being praised so highly for simply advancing past the group stages if they are actually a strong team?" In the midst of all the reports celebrating U.S.A.'s advancement, few articles have chosen to take another perspective. Not to fear, there was at least one writer who decided to argue the other side of things.
Bill Plaschke, a sports columnist of the Los Angeles Times, wrote "We should have won that game [versus Algeria] because we were clearly the better team. We should advance to the Round of 16 because, well, we're the 14th ranked team in the world...We give soccer excuses it doesn't need, then shower it with praise for a job it hasn't finished. We treat American soccer like a precocious prodigy instead of a burgeoning powerhouse....
"In any other national team sport, if one of our teams is good enough to reach the world's final eight in 2002, we would expect nothing less eight years later...Now if the U.S. team can win two more times and make the Finar Four for the first time? Well, that's something. That's progress. That's an awakening. That's big boys soccer."
Despite some flawed logic, I do understand what Plaschke is trying to say. At the same time, there are plenty of facts and records to insist that what the United States has accomplished so far deserves the praise it has received. In the grand scheme of things, contrary to Bill Plaschke's belief, USA has actually made a great deal of progress.
According to information released by U.S. Soccer, the USA won its group at the FIFA World Cup for the first time since 1930 (that's 80 years ago), and for the first time ever in a four-team group. The win against Algeria marked the first point and win for the U.S. in the third group game at the World Cup in eight tries. Secondly, the 1-0-2 record also represents the first time the United States has gone unbeaten in group play during a World Cup."
According to information released by U.S. Soccer, the USA won its group at the FIFA World Cup for the first time since 1930 (that's 80 years ago), and for the first time ever in a four-team group. The win against Algeria marked the first point and win for the U.S. in the third group game at the World Cup in eight tries. Secondly, the 1-0-2 record also represents the first time the United States has gone unbeaten in group play during a World Cup."
Plus, Tim Howard posted the first shutout by a U.S. goalkeeper in the World Cup since the famous 2-0 victory against Mexico on June 17, 2002, in the Round of 16 in Korea/Japan. After playing Slovenia, the United States became only the fifth team to come back from two goals down at halftime to draw a match. You get the point. The United States may not be far in the tournament yet, but what the team has achieved so far is still special and praiseworthy.
What's more, the United States finished first in the group, a feat which the Americans had not accomplished since 1930. At first glance, it may not seem like a big deal. Most pundits and fans alike predicted that the U.S. would at least make it to the Round of 16. Interestingly enough, it appears that the winner of Group C, the United States, and the second-place finisher, England, will have very different schedules because of their standings.
What's more, the United States finished first in the group, a feat which the Americans had not accomplished since 1930. At first glance, it may not seem like a big deal. Most pundits and fans alike predicted that the U.S. would at least make it to the Round of 16. Interestingly enough, it appears that the winner of Group C, the United States, and the second-place finisher, England, will have very different schedules because of their standings.
Instead of facing a dangerous German team on Saturday, the United States will play a fairly inexperienced Ghana squad. Additionally, without diminishing the quality of the teams in the tournament, if the United States defeats Ghana, it will play either Uruguay or South Korea. By contrast, if England can come out with a victory against Germany, it will likely have to compete against a major soccer power, Argentina, and, according to some, the world's best player in Lionel Messi. The road to the semifinals seems much more difficult for England, while a final four appearance for the United States is looking more and more likely..
Another reason why the United States is so intriguing is the drama and hype it has created. After England scored in the fourth minute, Americans everywhere were shaking their heads. Yet, the 11 players on the pitch for the U.S. always kept their heads up, stayed the course, and things turned out pretty well in the end. In the next game, the U.S. conceeded early again and went into halftime trailing 2-0. In true American spirit, though, the U.S. rallied, tied the game, and actually could have won if it weren't for a questionable disallowed goal. Then, against Algeria, when it seemed like it just wasn't the Americans' night, the United States on the brink of elimination and on the verge of failure, Donovan sent the ball through the net in the 91st minute. To quote commentator Ian Darke, "You could not write a script like this!"
Sure, the United States may not have the most talented players in the tournament. It's true, their defense allowed early goals in two out of their three games. On the other hand, the United States may also be the most mentally tough team in the World Cup.
After his "magic moment" against Algeria, Donovan spoke of just how confident his team is."We believe we can beat any team in this tournament. Given our experiences from last year [at the Confederations Cup] we think we can do really big things, we're going to go for it."
Sure, the United States may not have the most talented players in the tournament. It's true, their defense allowed early goals in two out of their three games. On the other hand, the United States may also be the most mentally tough team in the World Cup.
After his "magic moment" against Algeria, Donovan spoke of just how confident his team is."We believe we can beat any team in this tournament. Given our experiences from last year [at the Confederations Cup] we think we can do really big things, we're going to go for it."
In a press conference, Thursday, this week, U.S. forward Jozy Altidore elaborated on another aspect of the United States' mental toughness, resiliency. "I genuinely feel that we never feel that we are out of a game. In the 91st minute, Landon [Donovan] is out there clapping and getting the guys together...People are still pushing forward, trying to sort out plays. It's just great to see that we are never out of a game."
With each game more exciting than the previous one, the United States has managed to entertain millions, advance to the Round of 16, and, perhaps most importantly, become more confident. The U.S. can no longer be overlooked on the global stage. How deep they will go in the tournament is still unknown, but with the United States' experience, mental toughness, and so-called "American spirit," the sky's the limit.
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