A fish can only be as big as the pond in which dwells. If this statement holds true in the ocean that is International Soccer, then the United States National team is a fish that has seem to have outgrown the home pond. Fish analogies aside, the Americans have seem to fallen victim to playing in a very weak confederation, and when it comes time for the world stage, the Yanks seem to under achieve. Sam's Army impresses my being the dominate force in the region, but this hurts the squad when it faces a bunch of weaker teams, then play the Brazils and Germanys of the world.
Now I know what the naggers are going to say while reading this: "If the US is so dominate, then why are they third in Qualifying." Also the new common hysteria, "America's performance in the Confederation proved that they are ready to challenge for the World Cup." While both of these are based on some facts, and a little deductive reasoning. A closure look argues the other way.
First the whole Confederation's Cup argument, that the US is ready to become a power. True the Yanks performance in the tournament was inspiring, also the US is closer and closer to competing for World Cup glory. But I believe that the Americans are not quite at the stage where they can say they are ready to become a World power. And the Confederation's Cup is proof, putting aside the fact they won Silver (which was a tremendous, and great achievement) Overall the US went 2-3 in the tournament, and were outscored 8-9 over the course of 5 games. A domination of Egypt that resulted in a 3-0 win, and the miracle that Brazil, who didn't need to win, beat Italy 3-0, got the US in the semi-finals. Now the teams beating of Spain, was a great win, and match American soccer fans could right poetry about, also up to half time of the Final just about every American was giddy about the world's game. Then the second half came, and the Brazilians outscored the Americans 3-0 in 45 minutes. And the US only needed to defend from the start of the half.
Clearly, this is not the signs of a team that is near the pinnacle of international soccer. A team on the rise? Yes. World beaters? No, work still has to be done in that department.
Now to the argument that CONCACAF is a respectable region since the US is only in third, and Mexico is in fourth. First, if anybody is arguing these two sides are not the best in the region, look up the last 10 Gold Cups, and re-evaluate your opinion. Now Mexico has not had the smoothest years in recent memory, and that turmoil is costing the team, maybe a birth in South Africa? But ask any team in the region, who is the last team they want to play RIGHT NOW, I bet a majority will say Mexico. As for the United States, the team that dropped 2 points at home to Honduras, and lost to Costa Rica at the monster of a stadium, is long gone. After the Confed Cup Bob Bradly's side is playing with more swagger, and there is a different attitude with the team. Losing at Estadio Azteca does not count, even though being up 1-0 and losing is a set back. This United States side is not in panic being in the last spot of automatic birth. As a matter of fact, the feeling is that America can take 12 out of 12 points in there last 4. They play Costa Rica at home along with El Salvador. On the road at T&T will not be a problem either. Honduras on the road is the toughest challenge, expect a win or maybe a point.
But that in essence is the problems, after the US and Mexico, the pickings get slim in the region. CONCACAF has performed poorly in recent World Cups, Mexico being the only representative in the knock-out stages. The solutions are limited thanks to geography. Unless, Canada gets there act together, a third power will not arise, since the other nations are too small and unstable. My solution will be called heresy, but it would be wise for the US Soccer Association to 'explore' the idea of joining the South American nations in CONMBOL (it's been done before, Australia left Oceania to join Asia). This would provide the United States, a better measuring stick for how well they are doing, and giving the US better competition before big events like the World Cup.
While my solution probably will never happen, what needs to happen is that the US can not take much stock in CONCACAF play. Sam's Army should just put there head down, get though qualifying, and not ask about how?, but instead just ask did we? This is the best solution for the Yanks, then focus on World Cup glory, and putting in some good results in South Africa. Only then with the United States be the sharks of International Soccer that they hope to become.
Tuesday, September 1, 2009
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