2010 FIFA World Cup: Will Team USA Be Okay?

No spectacle is comparable to the FIFA World Cup. Only the Olympics can compare in terms of magnitude and overall global impact.

The Olympics provide a great sense of patriotism, and countries show unconditional support for Olympic athletes during the games. 

But the idea of an entire country pulling for one national team during a month-long competition remains as a unique characteristic that elevates the World Cup above all other competitions (both domestic and international).

America has had a tortured relationship with the “beautiful game.”  Although soccer is played by millions of kids in the United States, the sport continues to have a relatively low profile in the world’s largest professional sports market.

When compared to the fortune and interest that define major American sports such as football, basketball, or baseball; soccer remains a mere afterthought in the eyes of Americans.

However, the United States showed determination, resiliency, and spirit in the tournament this year. The World Cup in South Africa may have provided the necessary stepping-stone to draw interest from American sports fans.

The most pivotal play in US soccer history happened during the United States vs. Algeria game.  The United States knew it needed a miraculous goal to get to the Round of 16 to keep any World Cup dreams alive.

Enter Landon Donovan.

The development of the play began when goalie Tim Howard saved a header attempt by the Algerians, as he quickly launched a desperation counterattack. Landon Donovan received the ball from Howard and began galloping down field where the United States had a numerical advantage.

Donovan smartly placed a pass to Forward Jozy Altidore who quickly centered the ball to Forward Clint Dempsey.  Dempsey missed his shot attempt at the goal, but the rebound fell to Donovan who calmly slotted the ball in the corner of the Algerian goal.

US fans will never forget that play, and years from now American soccer fans will be talking about that play rather than the loss to Ghana.

Donovan’s goal was a reflection of the endless determination and ability to never quit that this American team possessed. After numerous refereeing errors and frustration in scoring goals, the Americans didn’t quit and got the goal they needed (and deserved).

These are qualities that are respected and appreciated by the American people, and the team took on the identity of its country.

This appreciation and national pride mixed with the intense media attention the World Cup is getting are enough for people to be exposed to the great things this game has to offer.

There is an entire generation of kids who witnessed Donovan’s life changing moment and they will begin to take interest in the game. This growing interest will only increase the number of kids in America who play soccer, which will ultimately improve future generations of U.S. soccer.

The United States may never have the tradition of countries such as Brazil, Spain, or Argentina. However, the level of media exposure mixed with American success at the tournament will go a long way to increase the interest of Americans in the only sport capable of uniting an entire country.

Although Team USA was eliminated by Ghana, the team earned respect from people all over the world. 

American soccer fans should not hang their heads because of the loss, but they should walk tall because of the strides Team USA has made.

The US has qualified for the last six World Cups, even though the team has had trouble advancing in the tournament. 

So now the question becomes, “How good are we really?”

If the 2010 World Cup serves as any indicator, Team USA should not have any problem qualifying for the 2014 World Cup in Brazil.  Team USA has swiftly closed the gap between it and the soccer powerhouses around the world.

The US will not shock teams in the future, and terms like, “surprise” or “upset” will not be used in reference to Team USA.  The US now has a bitter taste in its mouth and now the team knows the moves it needs to make.

The adjustments that the US will make in order to prepare for the next World Cup will be done to keep up with the rest of the world and to keep American fans interested in the game.

Regardless if coach Bob Bradley is there in 2014 (that’s another topic), the US will have to fine-tune everything from its personnel to its tactics.  Some things worked well in this year’s Cup, but there are other areas that the team will have to strengthen if they are going to make a run in the next Cup.

We know that this team can compete with any nation, but I think we are several athletes away from being where we want to be on the global spectrum.  That’s all going to come down to recruiting.

It’s going to be up to the young fans of the game to keep American soccer moving forward.  A team is only as good as the players who don the jerseys, so the recruiting process is just as important as the hiring process for coaches.

If the US can land several young recruits and keep Americans fascinated with the game between now and 2014, I think the US will make some serious noise in Brazil. 

Team USA has captured our attention now, and it is imperative that we don’t lose interest.