US Soccer Team Did Not Reach WC Expectations, But They Should Still Be Proud

The US soccer team may not have reached the expectations that were set for them prior to the World Cup, but the team still made progressive steps, and their country should be proud of their performance.

If you take a quick look at America’s performance in this year’s World Cup in comparison to that of 2006, it is easy to see a great step forward.

In 2006, America failed to reach the second stage of the World Cup in Germany. They accomplished that goal in South Africa, so that alone is a step forward.

When you take a closer look at the team’s performance, it is easy to see just how well the team performed.

Look no further than America’s opening game of the tournament. The US men’s soccer team fell behind very early to England, but they showed great resolve and character to claw something from the game. Some would argue that the circumstances in which Clint Dempsey scored lowered the standard of the victory, but at the end of the day all that matters is the result.

Whether England had a good, bad, or indifferent tournament doesn't matter—the fact still remains that America, a nation where soccer is still in it’s infancy, managed to hold their own against a nation that boasts one of the greatest domestic football leagues in football, and who entered the tournament as third favorites to go all the way.

That is a great accomplishment.

The team then showed great spirit and determination in their two remaining group games against Slovenia and Algeria.

Not only did they manage to once again come back from behind to take something from the game against Slovenia, but they had victory stolen from them in the final minutes because of a bad call. The US, however, accepted the terrible refereeing decision with respect and dignity.

Many may perceive Slovenia and Algeria as weak footballing nations, but both teams consist of players that play in some of the biggest leagues in Europe.

Only three of Algeria’s 23-man squad play for a team in the domestic league, while none of Slovenia’s squad still played in the Slovenian league.

Heading into the tournament, it was highly unforeseeable that America would top Group C ahead of England, yet they still managed to pull it off.

In their previous World Cup attempt, the US finished at the bottom of their group with just one point from three games. They also scored fewer goals and conceded more in relation to what they accomplished in South Africa. That, in my book, is mighty fine progression.

It is hard to fault a team that failed to lose within the boundaries of normal time. Yes, America was beaten by Ghana in the last 16 of the World Cup, but that is by no means a result to be ashamed of.

The Ghanaian players are no slouches. Their team, for the most part, consists of quality players that play week in and week out in elite European leagues.

Just like America, they took progressive steps in their football, and went a round further this time around compared to 2006. They also had the added advantage of being an African nation.

America fought and battled and were knocked-out after extra-time by a one goal margin. That is a completely different scenario to that of countries with a much greater football pedigree.

Brazil, Argentina, and England were all knocked out under embarrassing circumstances, which the US can take solace in.

Also, France and reigning World Champions Italy both failed to qualify from their respective groups.

The expectations that were placed on the US soccer team were blown out of proportion based on two great performances in the Confederations Cup. As fantastic as their 2-0 win over Spain, and their efforts in their 3-2 defeat to Brazil were, these results need to be taken in relation to the competition.

The World Cup is a completely different tournament to the Confederations Cup. The “bigger” footballing nations do not value the Confederations Cup to the same extent as the World Cup.

Spain and Brazil both underestimated America which that gave the US an advantage, but setting World Cup expectations off the back of a Confederations Cup performance is always going to lead to disappointment.

America is handicapped by the nations they face on a yearly basis competitively.

Mexico is the only real competition that America faces. Australia left the Oceanic Confederation and joined the Asian Confederation in search for more competitive games to help the development of their football, because the quality just was not there.

The Major League Soccer rulings also handicap the US soccer team to a degree. The majority of countries have their young players enrolled into professional team’s youth academies at a very young age.

The MLS college draft system delays Americans getting onto professional teams, which hinders their development and maturation as players.

All you can ask of your country is that they do better this time around, which America certainly did.

If at the end of the World Cup, the US team managed to draw more viewers into watching soccer, then that is a job well done. If their performance managed to inspired young Americans into pursuing a career in soccer, they have done their country a great service.