For years they were scoffed at.
For years they didn't even qualify.
For years the only professional soccer player most Americans could name was "Pele."
In 2010, the US Mens National Team (USMNT)went to the tournament in South Africa. But something was different this time. There was a buzz... a legitimate buzz about a team that not long ago shocked Europe with their defeat of Spain in the Confederations Cup. Suddenly, the world took notice. Suddenly, the world showed respect for the talent on the pitch. Maybe there was no expectation that the USMNT would win the Cup, but the teams that faced them knew they had to bring their "A-Game" if they wanted a victory.
They were expected to make it through what was considered a "weak" group, with only England as a soccer-superpower to contend with. England didn't bring their A-Game. (Arguably, you could say England didn't bring their A-Game to any of their 4 matches, the closest being against Slovenia, but I digress). Then something else happened and the soccer world took notice: the U.S. *won* their group, and they won it in thrilling, magical fashion with Donovan's late extra-time goal, moments away from being eliminated from the tournament. This, coming off of perhaps 45 of the best minutes of US soccer in recent memory, the comeback from 0-2 against Slovenia to tie them at 2-2 (and indeed, many - not just US 0 - still believe the score should have been 3-2 but for a questionable invisible foul).
Team USA was making a buzz in the soccer world. Did they win? No, of course not. They lost against Ghana in the 1/8 finals. Did they play perfectly? No, not at all. Their strange habit of conceding early goals (3 of their 4 games they were playing from behind at a very early point in the match). They missed a ton of chances in front of the net. Was it fair and balanced play? Nope, there were controversial calls in this years tourney that felt eerily similar to 4 years ago vs. Ghana...
But other than the exit, the US Team succeeded in this cup beyond measure.
Record Setting Numbers for TV and Internet Viewing. New soccer fans are cultivated from those curious as well as formerly disinterested. MLS gains fans as people re-discover the sport that they used to play - and they DID used to play it!!! US Youth Soccer has a higher number of participants than Little League.
More importantly than respect of the team or popularity of the sport, the USMNT gave Americans a chance to stand side by side and cheer again. Like the Olympics in Vancouver, and perhaps building off their momentum, the sport has brought together a population normally bent on tearing each other apart because of political or ideological differences. Look in the stands in South Africa. Look in the pubs in America. Americans side by side, blowing the vuvuzelas and screaming their heads off chanting "USA! USA! USA!" because they found inside them that despite it all, we are still DAMN PROUD to be Americans.
If we could remember that moving forward, if we could stand together and cheer for common goals with the SAME PASSION AND ENERGY that we do for our boys on the pitch, imagine where our National Spirit could take us? Need an example? Watch "Invictus" - it's not a Rugby movie, so don't let that wave you off. It's an extraordinary story of how something like a sport can bring together a politically divided nation. Sound familiar? Were Mandela's problems all gone after that Rugby World Cup? No, of course not. But with the nation united, South Africa has come a long way in 20 years. How far could we go in the U.S.?
Imagine.
Nice job US Team, you gave us something to come together and cheer for, and reminded us of US courage, spirit, "never-give-up" attitude, and talent. We'll see you in 4 years, and scream our lungs out in a familiar chant. "USA! USA! USA! USA!"
PS -
Team USA's loss versus Ghana has had yet another extraordinary positive impact on the world. Sure, it's heartbreaking for the U.S., but, with Ghana moving on, they represent not only their nation, but a BILLION Africans as they are the last team on the continent to still be alive in the tournament. In a small, unintentional way, the US Team has again brought people together. Weird. But fun!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
