With the rise of the internet and satellite television, seems like there’s been a surge of interest in international soccer in the United States the past decade. But is that really applicable to the mainstream American sports fan?
(Clip & Save)
I don’t think so. Not there yet, and probably never will be. The cultural sports divide is just too wide to overcome in this country. It’s akin to the NHL failing in southern cities. Also why the MLS will never be more than a minor league sideshow.
(USA got jobbed in 2002 against eventual runner-up Germany - 3:52)
Not saying there aren’t plenty more soccer sophisticats stateside than there were 10 years ago, but they’re still a decided minority in this country. Knowing EPL soccer snobs who’ve never set foot on the British Isles - as we all do - that’s a good thing.
I myself will be glued to the World Cup, and in particular the U.S.A.’s early match against England. Especially in light of the LONDON SUN’s hilariously inaccurate headline today about its country’s early grouping. Knowledgeable England fans knows from experience that anything can happen when it comes to The Lions.
It’s also impossible to predict how the Americans will fare. 2006 was a disaster (believe me, I was there) but in 2002 we played eventual runner-up Germany to a standstill and could’ve easily extended the match to extra time if not for a botched referee’s call.
Because of key injuries, the Yanks probably won’t advance past the quarterfinals, but after our 2006 showing, I’ll take that. Anything beyond would be borderline astonishing.
4:27 pm on December 5th, 2009
Absolutely I want a win over the English club. I’ll have my Team USA kit on and I’ll be drinking pints at whatever pub will show the damn thing.
I hope we have a good showing, because after we spanked Spain and took it to Brazil (before running out of gas) I think this team could make a run. Everything would have to fall just right (and let’s be realistic, when USA needs that to happen is usually when USA falls apart), but I haven’t studied it too much yet, who would be our probable matchup in elimination play (I know it depends on a lot, but guesses?)?
4:29 pm on December 5th, 2009
I especially want England to lose to us because they’re acting like it’s going to be such a cakewalk (or whatever the limey term is for that).
8:34 pm on December 5th, 2009
Bring on England! I’d love to see the USA advance a couple of rounds in South Africa.
5:49 am on December 6th, 2009
i think we (england) will struggle.
The press over here are going on about how we have such an easy group. But the first game is against USA. The majority of people in the UK can not understand the FACT that the USA are actually really fucking good, and could easily get a win over england in the opener. That would probably lead to england needing to beat both of the other teams in the group, and one little slip - which is sure to happen - could send england out in the group stages.
I’m off to my online bookie later to stick something on USA and and African team making the semis
12:00 pm on December 6th, 2009
I don’t think England is going to have as “EASY” of a time as *they* think they will.. but hey, it’s their nightmare when they realize it mmwaahahahaa!!!!
Anywho: 06/12/2010 - 13:30 ET - Royal Bafokeng Stadium, Rustenburg - US vs. them
5:17 am on December 7th, 2009
I would love to beat those brits senseless for a second time in wc play. The war between the brits and us goes back long ways. We will take out the redcoats.