U.S. Men’s Soccer takes 2nd in 2009 FIFA Confederations Cup; remains irrelevant

on 07 2, 2009

Much to the surprise of U.S. soccer fans everywhere, the Men’s team found themselves up 2-0 over the heavily favored Brazilian team in the finals of the FIFA Confederations Cup just recently, what transpired in the second half could potentially have put to rest any hope of an increase in popularity for the sport in this country (much to the dismay of David Beckham).

After reaching the semifinals to face another heavily favored squad in Spain, America’s team upended the Spaniards 2-0. An impressive feat considering Spain hadn’t allowed a single goal till that point in the tournament. It was at that point that Americans took notice and media outlets such as ESPN started to give the sport a little coverage. It looked as though U.S. Soccer may have finally broke through in this country, something it had failed to do for so many years.

What an opportunity against Brazil. Some argued that simply reaching a finals match in a significant tournament was enough to garnish some interest around these parts. However after leading 2-0 at the half against Brazil, potentially setting up the biggest “Cinderella Story” the sport has seen in many years, the U.S. team epically collapsed and smothered any and all potential interest in the sport heading into the following World Cup tournament.

Soccer, much like hockey, is a sport where a two goal lead should be enough to get a victory…especially with only a half remaining. Ignoring this fact, the Americans blew the lead and eventually lost to Brazil 3-2. Forget the fact that they lost for a moment. They were expected to. The fact of the matter is they were up 2-0 in the most significant game in the country’s recent history. With so much was riding on the second half of that match, the U.S. team blew it. It was a choke-job, there’s no debating that (although ESPN’s PTI attempted to make a debate of it).

Here’s how “Pardon The Interruption’s” debate should have gone:

Why it was a choke-job: Well let’s look at the potential upside of winning that match for a second. A win would have certainly improved America’s soccer status both within the country and abroad. Instead of moving up in the world rankings from 14 to 12, the U.S. team could have potentially cracked the top ten (which would have been significant given the team’s history). Not to mention is would have been a second straight upset of “Miracle on ice” proportions, look what that did for American hockey at the time. Lastly, it would have been the type of victory that would make the American youth take notice, potentially igniting an growth for the sport in the near future.

Why it wasn’t a choke-job: (silence)

…next subject, PTI.

There’s no denying the fact that soccer is just not as significant in America as it is to other countries, but a win against Brazil could have changed that. The Americans essentially negated any progress made with the win against Spain. I can honestly say that while I don’t care much for soccer unless the World Cup is in progress, this tournament hurt my opinion of American soccer more than it helped it, regardless of the runner-up finish. After the United States beat Spain I found myself interested in Soccer for the first time in years, even making a point to tune in to the finals match. However, following the collapse to Brazil, I am left with a sour taste in my mouth and I don’t see that changing any time soon.

R.I.P American Soccer. I can see the epitaph now:

U.S.A Soccer
First half against Brazil 2009-Second half against Brazil 2009
“Although it lived for only one half of a match, American soccer WAS relevant at one point in time. Rest in peace, you will most likely be forgotten.”

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