FIFA World Cup 2010: Will the U.S. Train Keep Making Strides Forward?

While just four days ago, the U.S. Soccer bandwagon was getting new shocks and a suspension check, results from this weekend’s World Cup Knock-Out matches may have dampened the Americans' sudden approval for the game.

First to go was the U.S., in their match vs. Ghana on Saturday.

The “Black Stars” as they are commonly known in their home country, defeated the U.S. 2-1 in extra time.

Ghana has now sent the U.S. home in each of the last two World Cups. 

The U.S. did not achieve the result that they wanted on the pitch in Rustenburg’s Royal Bafokeng Stadium.

This time, though, there was no reason to blame the refs.

At times, it looked as if Ghana was more fluid in their game.

They played with a swagger around them, as they were the last African team left.

From time to time, keeper Tim Howard looked to be off his marks as he was beaten near bar for the first goal.

The second seemed to catch him off guard as he hesitated to come out and make an attempt on the ball to stop the Ghana player.

The U.S. is making huge strides on the International stages, advancing to the finals of the Confederations Cup and winning their group in the 2010 World Cup.

This is the first time since 1930 that the U.S. has gone on to win the group stage. 

Although, it is the end for some of the stars of the U.S. team; there is a huge upcoming of younger, better stars.

These stars are looking to continue the uphill battle the U.S. has started.

Players such as Bradley, Altidore, and Torres look to lead the U.S. to future victories on the International stages.

Even though there is a four-year break in World Cup Finals action, the U.S. can still make huge strides on the International stage.

With the Summer Olympics coming around the corner, it will be a great stage for the younger generation to prove their keep.

Also two years away is the Confederations Cup and coming off such as huge high will be something U.S. will be looking to repeat.

This is the time when the U.S. needs to keep looking forward and not make strides backwards.

It starts with the fans and ends with the players on the pitch.