United States Fails Expectations

The United States failed once again in its efforts to make a footprint in the international soccer scene, this time by failing to get out of round two in the 2010 World Cup. The U.S. advanced to the elimination tournament in dramatic fashion but was eliminated without any further success by Ghana in the round of sixteen. It was a disappointing loss for the U.S. as they were favored, and picked right here in the blog, to advance to the semifinals of the World Cup for the first time in 80 years. The expectations of Americans were raised after the team gained a favorable draw in the elimination tournament. But just as they did during group play in 2006, Ghana eliminated the U.S. by a score of 2-1, ending hopes for a deep run by the Americans.

This loss had to be exceptionally frustrating for the United States Soccer Federation as they were hoping to build upon their unexpected run to the finals of the Confederation Cup last year. Instead, the Federation faces another four years of building and planning to get the national team over the hump on the international scene.

The game itself was an enjoyable one, taking away the final result of course. The U.S. once again fell behind early but kept attacking and attacking before Landon Donovan’s penalty kick in the second half tied it up. At that point it seemed like the Americans had all the momentum and a trip to the quarterfinals was all but inevitable. The Americans were unable to capitalize on the momentum, however, and another defensive lapse in extra time proved costly as the Americans allowed the game winning goal by Ghana.

The 2010 World Cup will move on to the quarterfinals without the U.S. National Team, who provided an entertaining but ultimately disappointing performance in the competition. The only positive I can take from Americans’ loss is that I can now wait another four years before watching soccer once again.