AmericaFC

Well, USA fans have been clamoring for the U.S. Men’s National Team to be challenged by some of the best teams in the world, and we now have a chance to show what we’re all about.
Defending world champion Italy awaits on June 15, followed by powerhouse Brazil on the 18th, then finally African champions Egypt on the 21st. If we make it out of the group, we stand a good chance of facing European champion and tournament favorites Spain in the semifinals.

Youth was served last night in Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago. Better yet, the USA youth GOT served. The next generation, who were trotted out onto the field, failed to impress individually and as a group as the USA lost 2-1. It was a meaningless game for the USA as Sam’s Army had already qualified for the next round. T&T needed this win to have a shot at reaching the final round of World Cup qualifying. They brought their best players and veterans, and it showed.

The U.S. controlled its own fate in these Olympics and was unable to capitalize due to bad decisions and bonehead play. They could’ve gotten lucky but didn’t. It appeared that every potential dramatic occurrence faced the U.S. Men. Let’s look at the US-Netherlands match. The USA seemed outmatched at the start, as the Netherlands went up 1-0. No surprise, really, right? But the US men then gave us hope. They came back in the second half, taking a seemingly impossible 2-1 lead. Improbable victory seemed assured. So the US, in typical fashion, proceeded to fritter their chances away.

It wasn’t pretty, but it was better than the showing against England and Spain. The US Men’s team managed to get a draw from the number #1 team in the world in Argentina. Let’s think about that for a second. This is the best team in the world. They have probably the best striker tandem anywhere in Lionel Messi and Sergio Aguero. This is the same team that just four days ago dismantled Mexico in San Diego by the scoreline of 4-1.

Old country vs. new country. Soccer vs. football. Top sport status vs. niche sport status. It seems all that both the US and England share when it comes to soccer is the English language. One can argue the style of play is similar. Play strong and tight defensively and in the middle of the park and hope you get a goal on a set piece or something similar.