That's the most I've enjoyed a U. S. soccer game in quite a while. They actually looked like a top-flight side in Columbus tonight: one touch passes, working the trap, forcing errors and making the other side pay for its mistakes. Sure, finishing could be better (really, what else is new?), but the USMNT showed that they believe in themselves. And really, that is when historically they have produced.
Some may hesitate to look for positives in the 2006 World Cup, but at least one can be found: it lowered expectations for the USMNT. Personally, I think that 2006 could have gone worse -- remember, no one else got a point off of the eventual World Cup champion that year (not even my beloved Les Bleus), and they did draw a tough group. Still, the team played tight, clearly uncomfortable under the weight of expectations. Well, 2002 is a distant memory, and the high FIFA ranking (whether deserved or not) has fallen by the wayside. No one expects anything out of this team now. That may not explain everything about tonight's performance, but it did not hurt.
And I suppose one could argue that so many years under Bruce Arena had let the team go stale. Personally, while I was glad to see Arena go at the end, I prefer that situation to the coaching merry-go-round that Mexico endures. Maybe I've read too much Gregg Easterbrook, but at this point I have to wonder if the stability the USMNT enjoys at the head coaching position has helped them surpass Mexico in CONCACAF. Sven-Goran Eriksson's lackluster resume may not inspire too much confidence, but at least his former employers gave him a chance. Since 1991, the USMNT has had 4 coaches, while Eriksson is number 14 for Mexico, and may be out after tonight.
Why Mexico has not done better on the world soccer stage remains one of the most debatable sports questions out there, but really, there's no excuse.They've hosted two World Cups, rank 11th in world population and have no sport nearly as popular (unless I've underrated the appeal of competitive walking). Plus, Mexican players regularly play for the top teams in the world, while (aside from goalkeepers) Americans have trouble hanging onto roster spots in the top four leagues. But despite all of Mexico's advantages, they've never gotten farther than the World Cup quarterfinals. Yeah, I know its unfair to point this out, but the USMNT reached the semifinals in 1930. After tonight, it is hard to imagine Mexico matching that accomplishment in 2010.
But rather than be negative, I'll enjoy the now. Good times for the USMNT.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
No comments:
Post a Comment