This World Cup run was an incredibly exciting time for American sports. Unfortunately, it came to what feels like a premature end. However, we should be nothing but proud of our boys for the accomplishments they did make and the excitement they did cause. Still, like any big loss, the one versus Ghana hurts. Here is my list of things that can happen to soften the blow:
1) England gets knocked out by Germany - It would be great for USA soccer if we could consider this Cup an overall win over England. After Mexico, England is probably the team we associate with the most and there is no denying that they have always looked down on us for our lack of a top soccer team. But we have already beaten them in group play. Admittedly the win came on overall goals scored, but if FIFA says it counts it counts. If they also lose in the Round of 16 (they are currently down 3-1), then we can safely say that USA soccer beat English soccer in 2010 and that is a huge success for us.
2) Ghana continues to do well - As Americans, we love underdogs. In fact, that is one of the reasons Team USA was SO popular during their run. Well now Ghana is the underdog we can get behind. Plus, it always takes some of the sting out of a loss if the team that beats you does well. It means that you can argue that your team is better than it's finish shows. Finally, in an African World Cup it would be awesome to see an African side to well. No continent has suffered more and this tournament is an opportunity for one billion African's to come together and be united behind a common goal.
3) An elite soccer team wins the Cup - I know I just said it would be good to see an underdog do well, but ultimately the results of the Cup will be easier to swallow if one of soccer's elites (Brazil, Argentina, Germany) wins the tournament. That way, our loss won't feel so much like a missed opportunity for something amazing. Everyone knows we could have beaten Uruaguay next round. But if we had faced Brazil in the Final Four or Argentina in the championship game, we would have been HUGE underdogs. If one of those teams does emerge victorious, the Cup won't feel so much a missed opportunity.
Ultimately, the pain from this loss will go away when Team USA wins the 2014 Cup (you heard it here first!). Be sure to vote in my poll to the right on whether you will continue to watch the World Cup now that we are eliminated.
Hello Colin,
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Great post, Colin. I agree, Ghana advancing would in some ways lessen the sting of our loss and I am usually all for the underdog success story but I was really turned off by Ghana's theatrics during the game on Saturday. Don't get me wrong, I understand that faking injuries in soccer is part of the game and essentially strategy, however, Ghana's theatrics bordered being childish and embarrassing. There is something to say for teams who play the game without the all the antics and I'd like to see a team like that make it to the end.
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