After the U.S. lost the most anticipated and watched game in this country’s short history to Ghana this past Saturday, I got to thinking about what will happen now to soccer in the United States.

A little less than 1 week ago, America was in a soccer haze…all anyone could talk about was the miraculous effort against Algeria amidst questions of “how far do you think we can go”? While the loss to Ghana itself was heartbreaking, the future impact to soccer fans may take an even greater blow if the United States Soccer Federation doesn’t make a valiant effort at furthering the sport in this country.

In my opinion, the country’s soccer future remains in doubt until the following 4 issues are resolved in one way, shape or form:
• How do we entice our inner city athletes to partake in “The Beautiful Game”? Jürgen Klinsmann has made one of the better points commonly overlooked by the American Soccer fan, and said it again yesterday. He compared soccer to basketball and, specifically, the Boston Celtics. He talked about how himself and most of the great players in the world came from modest or even poor beginnings. They used the idea that football could drag them out of poverty and into fortune to become the great player he and his associates became. In America, there is no league where inner city youths can look to in hopes of one day becoming millionaires. Those leagues are the NBA and the NFL. No 14 year old living in Compton is going to want to kick around a size 5 ball in the hopes of someday making $40,000/year for the L.A. Galaxy.

• This leads me to my second issue…the lack of a legitimate professional league. I’m sorry but, getting guys like Beckham and Henry to play in the MLS at the end of their careers is not going to win over the American Sports fan. We’ve seen too many aging stars in traditional American Sports hang on for too long to embrace the idea of an over the hill athlete coming to play a sport this country doesn’t care enough about at this time. The lack of truly big name stars, in their prime, and money the average footballer can make in this country needs to change in order for soccer to continue to really grow in this country.

• I’m sorry but, we’ve gone as far as we’re going to go w/Coach Bradley. He did a solid job for us but, what might not be realized to the casual fan is that the U.S. were supposed to make the Round of 16. We were expected to beat both Algeria and Slovenia and, judging by how the world casinos (including Vegas) had the lines 16 days ago, many people thought we would have a decent shot against England as well. Bradley coaches based off of the American Spirit with an American Culture viewpoint on the sport. I’m not knocking this but, unless we’re satisfied w/being the 16th best team in the world, it’s not going to cut it on the International scale. This was the same as Arenas and just about any other coach we’ve ever had. We need a European or South American Mind and someone who can continue to capture people’s interest every few months instead of every 4 years. We need someone, who both on the field and off, will be outspoken and keep soccer more at the forefront than Bradley can.

• We need to figure out a way to capture the attention of the common man/lesser sports fan in this country. When I sat in my office for a Monday meeting, my boss, who is a big soccer fan, asked how many people had watched the game. Of 20 people in the room, 4 hands raised. Now, maybe that’s just my office but, I’m willing to bet it’s something more common than most want to believe, even with the record setting ratings. While the average American will watch football on a Sunday, even with limited or no rooting interest, the average American will not do the same with Soccer. I don’t have an answer as to how to solve this problem but, this may be one of the biggest obstacles this country faces if we ever want soccer to be on par with the major 4 sports.
I’m not saying it wasn’t a fun few weeks because it was…how does this country keep the momentum going for the next 4 years though and not just during the event itself 4 years from now?

Tim Rescigno – New York Giant apologist

Unfortunately for soccer fans, poor officiating has negatively affected too many games at the 2010 World Cup. I am a soccer fanatic and have seen many big soccer tournaments become tainted by poor referee decisions. However, this tournament has gone from bad to worse, and is simply the worst officiated tournament of all time.

The two disallowed goals the United States scored against Slovenia and Algeria were total refereeing disasters. FIFA was saved from a major controversy when Landon Donovan scored an injury time goal against Algeria to send the U.S. through to the knockout stage.

There was the terrible red card awarded to Germany’s Miroslav Klose against Serbia, as well as a number of goals that have counted even though the goal scorer was clearly offside.

Look at yesterdays trainwrecks: England fell behind early 2-0 to Germany, than proceeded to score two goals to tie the game before the half. However, a clear goal on a ball which crossed the line by four feet, was disallowed leaving the English down 2-1 at the break. England was forced to chase the game in the second half, and by pushing up the field, spaces were created in the back of the English defense. The German counterattack was lethal and they capitalized on these open spaces.

Casual fans think that Germany blew out the English, but if the game is 2-2 at the half, there would have been a completely different dynamic. Instead of the English coming out of the half full of confidence and focused on not conceding another goal, they were deflated and forced to seek a goal. The disallowed goal affected the English tactics and changed the shape of the game.

Right after this game, Mexico got robbed against Argentina in their Round of 16 match-up. The first goal of any game is so critical, and the Argentine’s broke through on a play where Carlos Tevez was easily five yards offside. Once again the officials changed the shape of the game. Instead of being able to focus on playing disciplined defense against a potent Argentine side, Mexico was forced chase the game and find a goal. A mental lapse and too much space resulting from open play led to a 3-1 Argentina victory.

Please don’t bother telling me that the better team won both games. The better team doesn’t always win in soccer or any sport. On this stage, teams should lose fair and square. Period.

Let’s bring this back to how poor officiating affected the United States. Blown calls forced the U.S. to expend too much energy as they desperately searched for a late goal against Algeria. This emotional roller coaster left the Yanks out of gas in extra time against Ghana.

I never thought the U.S. would give up that Hail Mary second goal to Ghana. The Ghanaians hadn’t created a chance in more than sixty minutes, and the U.S. were buzzing the entire second half. Furthermore, if the game would have gone to a penalty shoot-out, the U.S. had better penalty takers and a better goalkeeper.

Even though the U.S. gave the nation a thrilling ride in South Africa and attracted many new fans to soccer, the team met only minimum expectations for the tournament. Most experts predicted the U.S. to finish second in group C, and to lose to Germany in the Round of 16. Instead the U.S. won the group, but lost to Ghana in the knockout stage. I knew we were in trouble when Ghana was the last African team standing after the group stage.

I am disappointed that the U.S., similar to my Maryland Terrapins in March, were unable to take advantage of a very favorable bracket (remember that N. Iowa upset Kansas to open up the Terps road to Indy) . There will never be another World Cup in our lifetime where the United States will have such a manageable road to the semifinals.

In the end, the injuries to Oguchi Onyewu and Charlie Davies came back to hurt the United States. Onyewu would have dealt with the long ball which led to the second Ghana goal, and Davies would have given Altidore a better target partnet up front. I predicted that the unheralded and in-form U.S. strikers would step up, but I was completely wrong. The U.S. didn’t get a single goal from any of their forward players.

It’s a shame the U.S. wasted a tournament with Donovan and Dempsey playing so well. Clint Dempsey played the most creative and influential 90 minutes I have ever seen him produce versus Ghana. Unfortunately, like the rest of the U.S. team, Dempsey ran out of steam in the extra session. Donovan raised his profile once again, and will reap the financial benefits with marketing deals and a move out of the MLS to a major European club.

The U.S. just couldn’t stop conceding goals in the early stages of games/extra time, and this theme ultimately led to their demise. The U.S. will play their next game in an international friendly against Brazil on August 10. My analysis on the state of U.S. men’s soccer will be forthcoming in the next week or so.

By the way Tim, great call on picking Higuain to win the golden boot. I think you will end up looking prophetic.

Woodman – emotionally devastated once again

The first World Cup was played in 1930 and was won by the host country Uraguay. However, in that World Cup the United States of America made a run to the semi finals, marking their deepest run to date in any World Cup. 80 years later, it looked like the most talented group of American soccer players to ever set foot on the pitch, would be sent home disappointed after failing to advance out of the group stage. It looked like another controversial call would doom the US, and fans would be left wondering “what if?” In the 91st minute Landon Donovan put the ball in the back of the onion bag and the Americans not only advanced, but they won their group for the first time since 1930. That goal was special, and it sets up what I believe is going to be special run for the United States in the 2010 World Cup.

When the draw came out many expected USA to advance, however, few expected them to win the group. Winning Group C sets up a much easier road to the final four than finishing second. Let’s examine the draw for a second, and you will see how well things set up for a deep American run.

Second place in group C was England, who will now play Germany (the winners of group D). The Germans have not only one of the greatest soccer pedigrees in the world, they also have one of the most talented teams in the world. While England drew Germany, the United States will play Ghana, which is a much easier matchup. Ghana is talented, young and quick, and they will not be an easy opponent. But, there is a much better chance of beating them then the Germans. Ghana scored two goals in three games so far and both of those came on penalty kicks. They did beat the US in the last World Cup 2-1, but they are without Michael Essien and that was four years ago. Let’s say both England and the US win to advance to the round of 8, England would draw the Argentina/ Mexico winner while the Americans will play the Uruguay/South Korea winner. Argentina has been the most impressive team in this World Cup, and they have the best player in the world on their team (Lionel Messi). Uruguay, did win their group, however, their group was a bit watered down with a dismal French team and the host South Africans. They also had to play a playoff just to qualify for the World Cup. Uruguay is good, but they are no Argentina, and the US will have a much better chance of beating them to advance to the final four.

This World Cup we have seen the Americans come back from a two goal deficit in the second half of a must win game to tie the game. We saw them overcome a horrible call that cost them the win against Slovenia. We saw them tie one of the best teams in the World and one of the favorites to win the World Cup. And we saw them battle back with three minutes to go in their World Cup to score a goal that propelled to victory and winning the group.

Not many teams can overcome what the United States has in this World Cup, and I truly believe they are going to make a special run to the semi finals. This team never gives up, they are talented and their never say die attitude endears them to fans everywhere.

Every American has embraced this team and they should realize just what they are witnessing. They are witnessing the most talented team in American history, on the verge of making a special run in the World Cup.

Can’t wait for Saturday- The Little Roman

The drama is starting to unfold in South Africa as the final games of the World Cup group stage get under way. Americans will know by noon tomorrow whether or not Team U.S.A will advance to the Round of 16.

Here are a few of my biggest impressions thus far in the 2010 World Cup:

1) South Africa is the first host nation to fail to advance to the Round of 16 – this is indicative of a negative trend for almost every African nation that has failed to capitalize on their home continent advantage.

I attribute these struggles to two major factors: winning in major soccer tournaments is not in their DNA/pedigree, and these nations are not noted for a culture of teamwork and resiliency.

Remember, National teams embody the traits and characteristics of their people and culture. This is why the U.S.A will always fight for each other and never say die. I wouldn’t say that is the stereotype for Nigeria, Cote D’Ivoire, Cameroon, South Africa, Algeria, and Ghana. These nations are better at pointing fingers at each other and sulking, rather than believing in each other and rallying. If anything, most of these nations are experiencing civil war or domestic political unrest. This is reflected in the results of the African nations.

2) The South American nations have adopted Africa as a home away from home. All five South American nations look to advance to the Round of 16, and all appear to be in solid form. Brazil, Argentina, Paraguay, and Uraguay all figure to win their group, while Chile look to win their group with a result against Spain. Uraguay has yet to concede a goal, Argentina has flashed glimpses of their attacking prowess, and Brazil has five titles to bolster their belief. It is hard to imagine one of these teams not winning the World Cup.

3) European nations have also struggled at the World Cup. However, the group stage still features one more game, and many of these teams can still advance with a good result. Pre-tournament favorite Spain needs to win against Chile to have a chance to advance. Meanwhile, defending champion Italy and overhyped England have posted some shocking results and desperately need a win to advance. Slovenia, Switzerland, and Greece are hanging by a thread, and 2006 finalist France have crashed out altogether. The two European bright spots so far have been a surprisingly workman-like Holland, and a Portugal side that destroyed North Korea 7-0. All kidding aside, you have to wonder about the fate of the North Korean players when they arrive back home.

4) The French National team is an absolute disaster. I find it humorous and truthful that most Americans view the French as a nation full of thinkers who are more capable of criticism than action. Only Zinnedene Zidane is capable of making the French appear organized and patriotic. Without ZiZu, the French are the titanic minutes before the bow submerged in the Atlantic Ocean. Coming into the tournament it would have been difficult to imagine France finishing at the bottom of their group with only 1 point, but that is the reality.

5) It was a blessing in disguise that the United States only came away with a 2-2 draw against Slovenia. Of course I am bitter about the horrific officiating and the disallowed goal, but a massive come from behind victory would have left the U.S. ripe for a letdown against Algeria. Instead, the U.S. is hungrier and more determined than ever. This spirit and the belief that they have taken from their first two games will help the U.S. maintain the edge and focus they will need to advance. The Americans were too complacent and lacked urgency in the first half against Slovenia falling behind 2-0. A major lesson was learned in that game and it will benefit the U.S. going forward.

The World Cup is a long tournament and the teams that look great now will fade, while teams that have struggled will improve and find their form. Trust me, when I blog two weeks from now, this tournament will have been turned upside down. The U.S. is an interesting wild card, and should pull at least one shocking upset this tournament. Don’t sleep…What do you think the result will be in the U.S. vs. Algeria game?

Last but not least, horrible officiating is par for the course at major soccer tournaments. Officials have a tendency to over-inflate their importance and want to leave their own imprint on the proceedings. Casual soccer fans just have to accept that there are a dozen shocking calls/non-calls at every big soccer event.

Woodman – my blood pressure tomorrow morning will be through the roof.

The expectations for the United States at the 2010 World Cup were set reasonably high, with many expecting the Americans to advance to the round of 16. When the World Cup draw placed the United States in a group with England, Slovenia and Algeria, those expectations become even greater. The Americans earned a much needed point against England in their first game, but their upcoming game against Slovenia on Friday at 10am, is even bigger… it is the biggest in American soccer history.

I know the statement that this is the biggest game in American history may catch people by surprise, since it is against the smallest country in the World Cup, but this is a game that will define where American soccer will go in the future. Win the game and the U.S. are sure to advance to the Round of 16. Lose, and they are likely to be left out of the round of 16 for the second consecutive World Cup. This is the most talented United States team ever assembled. PERIOD. And, not advancing to the second round will set American soccer back significantly. A loss to the Slovenia would offset the win against Spain at the Confederations Cup last summer. This is the World Cup, the grand stage, and the best countries play their best in the World Cup.

Twelve million Americans watched the USA/England game, and people will still continue to watch and support this team. As long as the United States is in the World Cup, they will be the talk of every American, and soccer will be on the front burner of the sports landscape. This is a golden opportunity for United Soccer to gain not only soccer fans, but provide role models to kids all over the country by leaving them aspiring to be the next Clint Dempsey, Landon Donovan or Jozy Altidore.

If they make it to the second round, the United States will likely be matched up against soccer power Germany and they will have once again have a chance to score the biggest win in the country’s soccer history. They will also be in the round of 16 with other soccer powers like Brazil, Argentina, Italy and Spain, all of whom, have pedigrees that are better then most, if not all of the teams at the top of their respective sport. To reach the second round of the 2010 World Cup will be no small feat, and it is something that the United States HAS to do.

As Americans we take pride that we are the most powerful country in the World, one which has the best athletes, and is feared by every country. Soccer, however, is the world’s game and the Americans are perceived globally as nothing more then an afterthought. Beat Slovenia and Algeria, and be one of the 16 teams left standing on the World’s greatest soccer stage, and people will take notice. Lose, and once again be viewed as nothing more than an afterthought on the world soccer landscape.

This is your chance Landon Donovan, your chance Clint Dempsey, your chance Jozy Altidore and your chance United States. Now its time to deliver. Its time to the show the World how good American soccer can be.

Its time to show that the United States of America has arrived.!!! and we aren’t going anywhere!!!

Beaming with American pride- The Little Roman

Fans often become enamored with teams that blow away the competition in the group stages. However, history has shown that these teams eventually fade, while the teams that ease their way into the tournament — frequently with less than impressive results in the early going — often have a tendency to improve as the tournament progresses. Peaking in the knockout stage is the real formula for winning a World Cup. With this being said, fans should reserve their judgement toward England and temper their enthusiasm toward the Germans.

Germany looked extremely impressive in beating Australia 4-0, and I credit former German manager Jurgen Klinsmann for changing the philosophy of German futbol. The German’s are no longer a functional, unimaginative side without attacking flair. I need to see Germany impose this type of performance against a higher caliber team, but their initial performance was the best of the tournament thus far.

Argentina also looked impressive in their debut, and teased World Cup fans with glimpses of their attacking brilliance. Nigeria held their own but needed sensational goaltending to avoid losing by a greater margin than 1-0. The institution of Argentine soccer is bigger than Diego Maradona, and he is nothing more than a glorified cheerleader on the sideline. Their success or failure will not be a result of his coaching, but the play of the players on the pitch.

Critics are hammering the English national team and obsessing over the horrendous goal allowed by keeper Robert Green. The consensus is that a 1-1 draw with the U.S. is a terrible disappointment, and this is a troubling sign for a team that has consistently underachieved in major tournaments. I think more credit needs to be given to an American team that garnered 50 percent of the possession, and had the grit and determination to respond from an early 4th minute goal. England is led by an Italian coach, and the Italians are infamous slow starters in the World Cup. England will win their next two games 3-0 and 2-0, and the debacle against the Americans will soon be a fading memory.

Speaking of the Americans, let’s not diminish their result against England because of the terrible goal allowed by the English goalkeeper. The U.S. played tremendous defense and combined in midfield better than experts anticipated. I thought it was a classy performance from both teams, but there were not a lot of clear chances in the offensive third. The U.S. defense was under intense scrutiny heading into the World Cup, but after their initial performance, fans have to feel encouraged. The other emerging story is the heroic play of American goalkeeper Tim Howard.

The U.S. faces another high pressure contest when they play Slovenia on Friday. Slovenia, like the Americans, received a gift wrapped goal to beat Algeria 1-0. Because Slovenia took three points from that contest, the U.S. must draw or win to have any chance of advancing to the knockout stage. It will be difficult for the Americans to go from the role of underdog which they embody so well, to the role of the favorite. However, this is a solid American team that is not going to let this opportunity slip away.

Casual soccer fans need to temper their frustration with the number of low scoring games so far in the tournament. Teams know that the World Cup cannot be won on the first day, but it can definitely be lost. Goal differential is the first tie-breaker, so teams that fall behind 1-0 will not necessarily chase the game, and open up the field for the possibility of losing 3-0. I promise more goals will be scored in the next two weeks as teams will be forced to get results.

Last but not least, another big story in South Africa is the continued complaints about the soccer ball that was designed exclusively for the World Cup. The ‘Jabulani’ seems to take-off which makes it difficult for goalkeepers to read and for position players to weight on longer passes. We will have to see of the Jabulani continues to have a negative affect on the games, or if the players can make the adjustment.

Woodman – World Cup beat reporter

Five Predictions for the U.S. Men’s National team in South Africa:

5) The U.S. will get unexpected goals from their unheralded center forwards – aside from Jozy Altidore, the U.S. roster is full of forwards who were not in consideration for a place on the team six months ago. Recent form has LA Galaxy forward Edson Buddle and Mexican League Top Scorer Hercules Gomez in contention for a starting spot up front with Altidore. Also, Charlie Davies was unable to recover fully from severe injuries resulting from an October car crash, so replacing his speed is a priority for Bob Bradley. MLS forward Robbie Findley looks to fill this void and give the Yanks a burner up top. It was readily apparent vs. Turkey that the U.S. needs Findley’s pace to open up space for the other attacking players. I think that this group will exceed expectations in South Africa.

4) The U.S. back four will not be the achilles heel that many Americans fear they will be – I was at the Turkey friendly in Philly so I know how bad Jonathan Spector and Jonathan Bornstein looked for the U.S. on the right side. I also saw the Holland friendly three months ago when Bornstein’s blunders cost the U.S. two goals. However, the U.S. team is big, strong, fast, physical, and in great cardiovascular condition. The collective effort of the midfield and forwards will help the defense hold their own. Oguchi Onyewu and DeMerritt are better than average in the middle of the defense, and Bocanegra and Cherundolo are solid veterans on the outside. This is not a dynamic group of athletes, and this is the weakest area of the U.S. team, but the defense will not undermine the U.S. the way many expect.

3) All of America will fall in love with Landon Donovan and Clint Dempsey – these are the two best American position players and they are both in good form. Donovan helped Everton beat Chelsea, Man U, Liverpool, and Man City in the Premier league, while Dempsey helped carry Fulham to the Europa Cup Finals. Both players have good health and the confidence that they can succeed against the best footballers in the world. Donovan will take the penalty kicks for the U.S., and I expect him to deliver under the pressure. The casual American soccer fans tuning in for the World Cup will buy into the hype surrounding Dempsey & Donovan. Both are auditioning for transfers to bigger European clubs with bigger dollars to spend.

2) The U.S. will make it out of the Group Stage – I think the U.S. will draw England 1-1, draw Slovenia 2-2, and beat Algeria 3-0. The U.S. will advance to the Round of 16 on goal differential. It is probably going to be a Melrose Place season ender, but the U.S. will find their way out of a very favorable group. England will win the group with 7 points with outright wins over Slovenia and Algeria.

1) The U.S. will offer one of the biggest tournament surprises when they upset Germany in the Round of 16 – the German’s were born to win important soccer games in big tournaments. However, I predict they will underestimate the U.S. and fail to get up for the game. A boring, methodical match will culminate with Clint Dempsey scoring a stunning 90th minute/inury time goal. Unfortunately, the road will end in the quarterfinals where the U.S. will lose to Argentina 3-1.

Please check out the Jack of All Sports World Cup preview show from June 6th under the Shows tab on the website. Two hours of unrivaled soccer content! Go U.S.A!

Woodman – my heart can barely handle the excitement

There are only seven countries that have won a World Cup: Brazil (5), Italy (4), Germany (3), Argentina (2), Uraguay (2), England (1), and France (1). Will a new nation be added to this list in 2010?

Top Ten World Cup Predictions:

10. Fernando Torres will win the Golden Boot – Torres was a marked man at the World Cup in 2006 and at Euro 2008, thus allowing striking partner David Villa to shine. Now that the cat is out of the bag with Villa, defenses will have to give him additional consideration, which will open space up for Torres. Teams will have to pick their poison with Spain, and Torres is due for a break-out tournament.

9. Brazil will crash out prematurely in the quarterfinals – Even though the results have been there for Dunga, this Brazilian team lacks the flair and expression expected from the South American giants. Brazilians will surely question the tactics and player selections of Dunga for the next four years (Ronaldhino & Pato weren’t even selected to the team of 23). Fortunately for Dunga and the people of Brazil, this disappointment will be a distant memory when Brazil wins the 2014 World Cup on home soil.

8. Germany & Italy will fail to reach the Finals – History has proven that one of these traditional powerhouses (along with Brazil) are certain to make it to the final game. Not this year. I would never underestimate these two nations, but I have a gut feeling that am unorthodox script will be written in South Africa.

7. South Africa will make it out of the Group stage – every host nation (including the U.S. in 1994) have made it out of the group stage, and this year will be no different. The Bafana Bafana will survive a tough group, leaving only one spot available for France, El Tri, or Uraguay.

6. Only Brazil has won a World Cup playing on the soil of a foreign continent or hemispehere. A second team will be added to this prestigious list upon the conclusion of the World Cup.

5. No African team will reach the Semi-finals….again – I think Nigeria, South Africa, Cameroon, and Cote D’Ivoire will all advance out of the group stage. I also think two of these teams will advance to the quarterfinals, where the road will end for the African nations.

4. Argentina will be a force to reckon with – Argentina and Diego Maradona have been much maligned during their WC qualifying run which had them barely making it to South Africa. Meanwhile, rival Brazil steamrolled their way through the South American qualifying losing only one game. Irony is sure to rear it’s ugly head, as Argentina will make a Final 4 run, while Brazil will pack their bags in anticipation of 2014.

3. The Netherlands will leave South Africa with the unfortunate label as “best team to have never won a World Cup” – The Dutch are stacked and feature a number of dynamic, international superstars including Arjen Robben, Wesley Sneijder, and Robin Van Persie. The Dutch also have a great defense which allowed only two goals in European qualifying. Even though they have the balance and talent to win it all, penalty kicks will once again do in the Dutch.

2. One “Golden Generation” of players will win the World Cup – Spain and its golden generation of Xavi, Puyol, Iniesta, Torres, Villa etc. got one monkey off their back by winning Euro 2008, and arrive in South Africa as the tournament favorite. England failed to qualify for Euro 2008, and their golden generation of Steven Gerrard, Frank Lampard, and John Terry look to erase their legacy of underachievement. Spain has chemistry, continuity, and the deepest team in the field. England features one of the best players in the world in Wayne Rooney, and many expect this to be his tournament.

1. And the winner will be: England. Irony will once again present itself as the English finally taste the glory of a second World Cup— led by the genius of an Italian coach. Fabio Capello will crystalize his legend, and will become the first national team coach of a different nationality to lead a team to a World Cup title.

Woodman – tough to pick against Spain, but I had to do it.

I will be at Slainte Irish Pub in Fells Point watching as many games as possible over the next month. Please join me and treat yourself to an authentic World Cup viewing experience at the number one soccer/rugby pub in Baltimore. Be sure to tell Willy, Bill, Pat, or Jeff that the Jack of All Sports sent you!

Will we win? Probably not, but that does not get you off the hook for supporting the USA. In reading other articles prior to jotting down these thoughts, I noticed countless stories of thousands of people in the streets cheering on their country. You should have seen the scene in Sydney four years ago.

Is it “jumping on the soccer bandwagon”? No and don’t be afraid my friends….don’t be afraid to enjoy soccer for a couple weeks and don’t be afraid to represent your country. This is nothing like rooting for the Celtics right now and claiming you have always been a Celtics fan. This is nothing like wearing a Manchester United jersey through the streets of Baltimore singing the praises of their recent win over the Chicago Fire when you actually have no idea who the starting 11 are (I have no idea how many are on a side at a time). Is rooting for the USA “jumping on the bandwagon?” If so, it will be better than when you jumped on the Pee-Wee Herman bandwagon. See how that turned out you perverted SOB?

Embrace it. Embrace your ignorance and normal passiveness towards soccer. Accept that you may never be a drum beating, flare lighting soccer hooligan and then be a soccer fan for a couple weeks. Hell, don’t even be a soccer fan, be a fan of the USA beating other countries. Last thing I need is for you to get all granola on me and say “oh I want all countries to do well!” or “wanting to beat up other countries is just the attitude that gives us that ‘ugly American’ image.” I don’t have time for that sissy nonsense. While you are all caught up in where greedy King James is going the rest of the world will be trying to dominate. Put away the Kobe jersey, set your baseball glove down and pick up a Lincoln top hat or your favorite air-brushed shirt with an eagle on it and go do something patriotic for a change.

Let’s show this world that these colors don’t run, they sprint.

~Gordon Southard