Why the USMNT Is 2 World Cups Away from Being a Contender
As the U.S. men's national soccer team prepare to face off with Germany in the last match of the group stage, there is a great deal of hope that reaching the next round is possible. It is safe to say that the Yanks have already proven many of their critics wrong and could have a much better tournament than anyone imagined.
Thoughts of the U.S. being able to actually win the World Cup are still far away. Though America has stood toe-to-toe with the likes of Portugal, it is clear that they are not on the same level as the other giants in Brazil.
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Becoming a force in international football, or any sport for that matter, requires a lot of patience. It is something that takes time to build, but the U.S. are now showing that their time could soon be near.
While winning this World Cup looks like it would take a miracle, the upcoming installments of the tournament could see the U.S. become a true contender on the international level.
In this article we will take a look at why the USMNT is only two World Cups away from truly becoming a real competitor.
Growing competition at home
It has to be said that individual country league play has a say on how an international team competes. The more competitive a league, the more talent the country seems to create.
The same must happen for the U.S. if the national team is going to become a real force in the game.
Luckily for America, competition back home is growing at an astounding rate. The MLS has taken off greatly over the last few years and clubs are still being added to the league.
The MLS has already become successful on the financial front, and the product on the pitch is starting to follow as well.
Several stars from other countries have already made the switch to the MLS with more likely on the way. With growing competition in the league itself, American players will be faced with tougher opposition, which almost always encourages growth.
At the same time, the recent return of American stars like Michael Bradley and Clint Dempsey also shows that the MLS does have a strong appeal. If stars are looking to make the switch, it can only be a good thing for the league as a whole.
With growth taking place at a rapid rate, it is safe to say that the MLS should soon rival other leagues. Though it will be a long time before they have the pedigree of the likes of the English Premier League, the MLS has already surpassed other European leagues in terms of quality and competition.
And while substantial growth is taking place in America, many other U.S. talents are gaining valuable experience and competition abroad.
Growing passion for the game in America
Despite the misconception that Americans do not care at all for the beautiful game, the U.S. is already proving that they are a highly passionate fanbase.
According to a recent report from USA Today, FIFA has revealed that Americans have already bought over 200,000 tickets to World Cup matches. At that number, U.S. fans are the second-largest fanbase in this World Cup, only trailing the hosts Brazil.
Soccer is growing at an extreme rate in the United States, and there is no way of ignoring that. Fans and players alike are starting to flock to the sport, and that can only mean growth for the game in the country.
Speaking as someone who lives in America, there are countless cities where soccer is by far the main sport. Kids play it year-round and are under the training of world-class coaches from all over the globe.
While there is still a large amount of Americans who just do not care for the game, there are also countless supporters who want to see soccer grow in the states. Passion is always the source of something great. If America can keep the passion for the game that is already growing, finding international success can come soon.
Immense talent at all levels
One of the biggest arguments against U.S. soccer growth is that there are not many highly talented players. While it is true that the average American player is not at the same level of those in other big countries, that is starting to change.
A quick look at players like Julian Green and DeAndre Yedlin shows that there is promising youth for the USMNT and that growth is taking place at the younger levels.
Furthermore, the U.S. youth teams have begun to compete at a very high level as well. With the youth of American soccer growing into a competitive side, it is only normal for the first team to start gleaning talent as well.
Simply put, there are many U.S. stars at both the international level and lower levels as well. America is not without talent and if things stay the way they are now, that talent will only develop further.
The Klinsmann factor
It would be crazy not to mention the effect that Jurgen Klinsmann has had on U.S. soccer. Since taking over as the USMNT coach in 2011, Klinsmann has turned the Yanks into a serious competitor that is capable of taking on almost any challenge.
After winning Gold Cups and having a great showing so far in the World Cup, the work of Klinsmann is on display for the world to see. He is a big reason why the sport is growing and finding success in America, and that won't be changing soon.
Even looking at this World Cup shows that America has an eye on the future.
Young stars like Yedlin and Green were definitely brought in with the new World Cup in mind. They will likely not see much action in Brazil, but everything is focused on sustaining success down the road.
On one side, Klinsmann has turned this U.S. squad into a team that is a likely candidate to escape the group of death. On the other side, he has a strong gaze into the future and is already working on how America can be a force in the next World Cup.
Working with that goal in mind can bring certain success for the Yanks. Klinsmann has already proven that he is the right man for the job now, and he looks to be the perfect fit for the future as well.
Having such a permanent figure in Klinsmann to lead U.S. soccer is a wonderful step. What he has already brought is praiseworthy, but his future in America may be even better.
Conclusion
Finding success at the international level takes a lot of patience. It definitely isn't something that is going to happen overnight, but the world can already see the constant growth taking place in America.
After a decent showing in the last World Cup, the U.S. has already silenced many critics in Brazil. The Yanks are likely to escape the group, and a good showing against Germany could be the tipping point to a deep run.
The game is growing rapidly in America. Fans have found the love for the game that used to not be visible, and the country is working on becoming more focused on the beautiful game.
Looking at America's talent right now, coupled with the growth that has taken place, should have fans extremely excited about the future.
This World Cup will not be won by the U.S., but the next World Cup could see America shock even more people. Yet, when 2022 rolls around, America could be a serious competitor to lift their first ever World Cup trophy.
Can the U.S. become a force in international soccer in the coming years? How long until America can realistically win a World Cup? Leave your thoughts and comments below!
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