Football’s whippin’ boy no more …
Posted by Rick - 06/06/02 at 12:06:48 pmConsidering the United States’ embarrassing last place finish in the 1998 World Cup held in France, it is no wonder that so many people were predicting a similar fate this year. After all, the team lost all three of its group games last time around—finishing last of the 32 teams that participated.
Personally I think there are huge differences between the 1998 and the 2002 teams. Starting with the manager. Bruce Arena is an excellent motivator, and a proven winner. Not to take anything away from Steve Sampson. The players are the ones who didn’t come through in France, and there were reports of players arguing with one another. This team works well together, and the veteran players are accepting their roles, letting the younger players get their shot.
However, I don’t really believe all of the negative comments made about the U.S. team have to do with the poor showing in 1998, or a perceived weakness in a sport where the U.S. are ranked 13th—only one lower than England! Instead, I think a good portion of it comes from the satisfaction the rest of the world gets knowing there is something they do better than the Americans. And for the most part, I think it is as justified a reason as any. I can intensely dislike a team in any sport simply because they win too often. Why shouldn’t the rest of the world revel in the United State’s football mediocrity?
Maybe it is because we ain’t mediocre no more, baby! The United States registered one of the biggest upsets in World Cup history by beating Group D favorite Portugal, 3-2. The victory sets up an exciting match with co-host South Korea on Monday, June 10.
Sure makes me wish I could have gone to Japan with a certain someone. Even if the U.S. games are all in South Korea. 
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My brother is a sports freak, and he’s actually in Korea for the World Cup. I received an email from him today. This is what he said about being at the USA victory over Portugal:
The USA winning yesterday was an unbelievable experience. Although beating Portugal doesn’t sound like much of an upset, it was a massive upset. It was definitely right there with any sporting experience I’ve ever been to including Lakers championships, Dodger World Series, Super Bowl, you name it. It was awesome.
Selah
Comment by leilani — June 6, 2002 #
Leilani, as best I can tell your brother and my sweetie were on the same flight to Tokyo.
Comment by Rick — June 6, 2002 #
Scully, I think Bruce Arena was huge for the mens squad. All that guy does is win. Personally I do think we’ll eventually win the world cup, as the shear number of kids getting into the sport via awareness of the two soccer leagues will bring some of the better athletes away from traditional eye-hand sports. Which reminds me, we need to head over to RFK and catch some games.
Comment by hencio — June 6, 2002 #
I still think the best part is that we were actually up 3-0! Like “hey Portugal, we scored *three goals* and you ain’t scored a one!” Woo-hoo!
Comment by Lori — June 6, 2002 #
this was big news at my house too, even though we aren’t usually big into the sports scene. football (american and european) have always held sway for my mother’s side of the family, and she coached soccer for over a decade. it’s always refreshing to be able to root for the home team with the “go, Underdog!” energy. somtimes it is more fun not to have a record of perfection to uphold, and i’m impressed with the energy and attitude Bruce has brought to the team.
love and peace
Comment by heidi — June 7, 2002 #
I tried to give soccer a chance. I figured since the rest of the world is no nutty about the sport, there must be something to it. I watched for an entire season, but I was bored stiff. No matter how hard I tried, I just couldn’t get into the game. It just didn’t rock me. Sadly, it seems I’m with the apathetic majority of Americans.
Go Red Wings!
Comment by keith — June 7, 2002 #
Keith, I am sure you can appreciate being a fan of a sport that is slowly gaining interest in the US. Hockey was a sport most American’s found confusing (icing?) until recently. Football is just hockey on a larger grass rink
However, I think the NHL is gonna have problems and need to contract soon.
I adore football! Go USA! and England of course
Comment by Rick — June 7, 2002 #
Oh, I can certainly **appreciate** it. It just doesn’t rock me. If it rocks you, rock on, bra.
Comment by keith — June 7, 2002 #
I love you! I miss you! Ha, ha…I get to watch the games LIVE. Nanny nanny ;P
And, I`ve got a present for you when I return.
Comment by Sarah — June 9, 2002 #
Scully. Keep in mind that a lot more the US players now play in Europe. And if it continues that way, the US team is going to get better and better. Players like Donovan have their place in a European roster if they keep playing that way.
Just for my own satisfaction: a French native is playing on the US team.
Go USA !!!
Comment by Oliver — June 13, 2002 #
I follow the European leagues, Olivier
The Premiership more than the others, but I still keep up with the Champions League too.
Comment by rick — June 13, 2002 #
Sorry
Do you have Fox Sport World? I am thinking of getting it but wondering if it’s worthwhile.
Comment by Oliver — June 13, 2002 #
No, I don’t Olivier. I don’t even have cable, mate. I just follow on the ‘Net. Even listen to the Wolves Division 1 matches
Comment by Rick — June 13, 2002 #
For those who like playing soccer pick-up games, we have games every sunday http://www.theweekendplanner.com/soccer_details.html. You just have to register to the mailing list to get the weekly announcements.
Comment by Oliver — June 13, 2002 #
Thanks Olivier! I am actually running now to try and get back into football shape! I have been doing rather well. I will stop by some weekend and see if I can spell people
cheers!
Comment by Rick — June 13, 2002 #
oh as a French Dude, my dream has always been to play US football. Do you play flag or something of this kind? I’d be delighted to try.
Comment by Oliver — June 13, 2002 #
BTW, I called football football, and American football American football
I haven’t played a pickup game of American football in ages. if I hear of any games getting pulled together I will let you know.
I subscribed to the Yahoo Group for the hooligans. Thanks for the tip!
Comment by Rick — June 13, 2002 #
See you soon then. It’s pretty casual, you don’t have to be able to run a marathon.
Comment by Oliver — June 13, 2002 #
Woohoo. We can give a big hug to South Korea
Comment by Oliver — June 14, 2002 #
*whew* Does the US ever owe a big thank you to South Korea
Although I bet the South Korean fans and players almost wish they had drawn in order to keep the US out of the next round 
Comment by Rick — June 14, 2002 #
For the next round they better put Cobi Jones back on the field. Also Agoos really sucks to me. Mathis has been clueless today. I haven’t seen him very often but he’s a very poor passer.
Comment by Oliver — June 14, 2002 #
I think Arena should play the side that played Portugal. Get Mathis off the pitch, and let Donavan and Beasley run the Mexicans into the ground
Comment by Rick — June 14, 2002 #
I agree with you for the team. Donova and Beasley see the game much better than Mathis.
Comment by Oliver — June 14, 2002 #
USA RULES!!!! 2-0!!!! BRING ON THE GERMANS!!!
Comment by Stephany — June 17, 2002 #
and to think, I have been told, “time heals all…” not likely!! And in case you’re wondering about my newly found passion for soccer - I am married to a fanatical fan from Chile. Nuff said.
Comment by Stephany — June 17, 2002 #
Gee, I don’t remember this sort of enthusiasm for soccer from a certain cute cheerleader who didn’t attend a certain studly soccer player’s games in high school
heheheh
Oh yeah, she was there. Checking out another player
Comment by Rick — June 17, 2002 #