Congratulations to the U.S. World Cup Soccer Team -- Making Progress
The U.S. National Soccer team was eliminated today in the World Cup, losing to Belgium by a score of 2-1 in Extra Time.
However, there is some reason for optimism -- the U.S. played well enough in the tournament to advance into the knockout round (one of the final 16 teams in the tournament). Secondly, they played well against some very talented European soccer teams -- Portugal, Germany and Belgium.
As one might expect, the U.S. squad displays some serious athleticism; while lacking the technical expertise of the traditional powerhouses from Europe and South America. The goal-keeping of Tim Howard for the U.S. was especially note-worthy -- he had a record 16 saves against Belgium -- the most ever recorded in a World Cup match.
Of the final eight teams in the 2014 World Cup, four are from Latin America (Costa Rica, Columbia, Argentina and Brazil), while four are from Europe (Netherlands, France, Germany and Belgium).
Americans seem to get soccer fever every four years, during World Cup action; then go back to watching football, baseball and basketball. This is not surprising, for a couple of reasons: first, Americans are a very patriotic people and the World Cup reminds one of the Olympics. So we focus on the World Cup to root on the national team, more than to simply enjoy soccer.
Second, there is just not enough scoring in soccer to appeal to the average American sports fan. In the eight knockout games that took place, many of them were deadlocked with no score at the end of regulation play. When the best teams in the world regularly have no score at the end of 90 minutes, you know it is going to be a difficult sell in the United States.
On a personal note, it also drives me crazy when professional soccer players fake injuries and writhe on the ground in an effort to convince the officials that a penalty kick should be awarded.
That said, I have enjoyed watching the World Cup and will continue to follow the matches through the championship round.
Congratulations to the U.S. World Cup Soccer Team -- Making Progress
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