USA at the FIFA Confederations Cup
So, let’s start with this: I feel really uninformed about this topic, and yet, I want to talk about it… so don’t mind the flaws. In fact, please correct me!
I am of the opinion that the United States does not have a good soccer team. We have a poorly organized Major League Soccer division, with horrendous attendance levels (compared to other sports in the United States). A quick search shows the United States’ MLS attendance level of 2005-06 was roughly half of that of the English Premiership and the Spanish La Liga [source]. I even feel that our players are no where near on par with the rest of the world’s national teams.
It is just surprising at how much the rest of the world loves FOOTBALL, and yet, the United States trails so far behind. What caused this in the first place? I remember playing in Youth Soccer in the early 90’s, and it was very popular, or so it seemed to me.j
Anyways, back on topic. I am always surprised to see the United States qualify so easily for different tournaments (like the World Cup). I just feel that the team is so mediocre that I don’t see how they actually make it to these competitions. And even when they make it to the tournaments, I’m even more surprised if they manage to make it past the Group Stage…
A perfect example of this is the FIFA Confederations Cup, which is happening right now. I checked up on the wiki entry to make sure I understood how teams are chosen. For those that don’t know, 6 teams are chosen by being the respective winner in their regional divisions, followed by the most recent World Cup Champion (Italy) and the Host Team (South Africa).
United States, South Africa, Spain, and Brazil made it past the Group Stage. The first Semi final game was played yesterday (United States vs Spain), and the second one will be today at 2:30 EST.
However, yesterday, United States shocked me (like always), by beating Spain, 2-0. We’re talking about a couple of the greatest teams out there (Spain and Brazil), both of which have a very impressive player list for the competition. What in the world happened to Spain to let them lose to the United States out of all teams? A friend of mine suggests that Spain wasn’t focused on this game as they were more concerned with a future opponent (Brazil) if they face each other in the final.
Really, just answer me this: Am I wrong about my impression of the United States National Football Team? Are they actually capable of truly being a good team on the World Stage, even though MLS is far from the spotlight in American minds?
Short of David Beckham, you never hear of players actually interested in playing for MLS (atleast, in major news, I guess?). Meanwhile, overseas, teams are constantly trading players from all across the world. Players from La Liga and Spain playing in the Premiership, and vice versa. Meanwhile MLS sits there, stagnating from not having any real competition.