First Time Expectations – World Cup 2010

Looking at a US side as a favorite is certainly a new role for them on the world stage. In CONCACAF they are the team to beat, so it isn’t like they have no experience in this role. However, being a target for Barbados and being a target for Slovenia is two entirely different situations. When they went to the Confed Cup last summer, the US were an underdog in a group that featured South American champions Brazil, African champions Egypt, and oh yeah, world champions Italy. This underdog role suits the US very well, as it allows them to play with a chip on their shoulder, with something to constantly show to the world. However a different role awaits them on this summer’s African vacation. Will they be able to handle this pressure? After seeing their preparation I do believe they will. They have tested themselves constantly against the best like Spain, Brazil, and the Netherlands to help prepare for this summer. A majority of their starters are playing in the biggest leagues in Europe and performing at the highest level. Quite possibly the most important though, are the results of last summer. The US rallied from a desperate situation to get out of the group stage. They took on the best team in the world and succeeded. They battled against a superior Brazilian side. This team knows not only that anything is possible, but that they have been there and done that and they can draw strength from that knowledge and experience.

This thought, that not only could a US side be a favorite but that it would be a disappointment if they did not go through into the knockout stages, is a testament to the progression of soccer in the US. Players are developing to levels never seen before, and as more head for the top leagues overseas, the national team will continue to benefit. To go from World Cup qualification afterthought to serious threat in 20 years is a remarkable feat. The continued progress of MLS and ever expanding exposure to the top leagues in the world has given gifted young players the dream of becoming a professional soccer player, which in turn has kept more talented athletes on the soccer field instead of the diamond, the court, or the gridiron. This will continue to benefit the strength of the national team, and there will be a day where we laugh about the first time the US was a favorite to advance out of the group stage, as eventually team USA will be serious contenders to win the Cup. Until then, rallying behind an exciting US team that enters the 2010 World Cup with expectations that have never weighed upon any other US side will keep me entertained. South Africa is the first time that a good showing will not be enough, but a run into the knockout stages is the least that can be expected from the USMNT.

By Matt “Biggy” Biggerstaff