USMNT: Embrace the Schiz

pettyfog · Jul 10, 2009

USA a team of extremes

The United States’ Confederations Cup adventure generated a wide variety of reactions in America: pride in a strong effort, disappointment at letting a trophy slip away and, understandably, puzzlement. After all, not many squads can look awful against Brazil one week then nearly beat them the next. “Which team will show up during the rest of World Cup qualifying, as well as in South Africa next summer?” wrote ESPN’s Jeff Carlisle. “Will it be the side that struggled early during the tournament or the one that finished with a flourish, even in losing a heartbreaking final to Brazil?”

A likely answer is: both. Instead of fretting over the US's baffling form, however, we should revel in it. The traditional soccer narrative of the United States, dating to the 1970s, highlights the country’s supposedly enormous potential. But rather than waiting another few decades for the US to become a power,* why not embrace its unpredictable, quirky side?

True, the current edition of this team is infuriatingly inconsistent. But at least it’s a marvel of inconsistency. Whereas Mexico always lose in the second round of the World Cup – yawn – the United States’ sheer unpredictability makes the team worth following. In June alone, Team USA was routed by Costa Rica in World Cup qualifying, then confidently snapped Spain’s three-year unbeaten run.

While all teams have peaks and valleys over time, the US frequently packs them into 90 minutes. Consider the World Cup campaign. In El Salvador in March, the US played a horrible 75 minutes to fall behind 2-0, before a frantic rally produced two late goals and further untaken chances. At home to Honduras in June, the US fell behind within five minutes before scratching out a victory ..
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* mmmm.. I dunno. seems to me you're a power when there's only two teams in the world not afraid of you in competition. Brazil... and France.

And that's a negative for France.

Whatever... sure is fun aint it. For you who would rather we always be the top dog... think Brazil fans dont bitch and moan over every little thing?

Clevelandmo · Jul 10, 2009

It sure is fun 'Fog. I wouldnt want to be Brazil and be expected to win every match. The only thrill you would get is when you do something like come back from a halftime 2 goal deficit - but against someone like France, not the US.

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USMNT: Embrace the Schiz

pettyfog Well-Known Member

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USMNT: Embrace the Schiz

pettyfog Well-Known Member

Clevelandmo Active Member

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