Well, after my recent post about USA Soccer and the lack of passion showed by my national squad, I must now recant. So much of what I expected from this team was shown to me in the past three games of the Confederation’s Cup. Heart, passion, resolve, and even a bit of skill were shown in the matches against Egypt, Spain, and Brasil. I was proud to watch the final game and text back and forth with different friends across the country who were watching with captivation at the same time as me. I watched it in English, but the Spanish language highlights are just amazing. Their cadence and vocal crescendo let you know what’s going on. And who doesn’t love to hear: GOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOLLLLLLL!!!!!!!!!!!?
I am now convinced that the current leadership of this U.S. Soccer Federation has the right leader and players in place to compete at the elite level. I think that there could be some improvements with a few players, but it finally seems that we have a couple of true stars with Landon Donovan and Clint Dempsey. Neither of their goals were particularly spectacular, but they both showed poise and confidence when nearly all soccer fans of the world were watching today. I truly believe that Clint Dempsey is the most talented soccer player in Team USA’s history. I’ve never doubted his foot skills or his striking ability, but I have questioned his heart and attitude. Today’s match and subsequent tears have changed a lot of that for me.
Sometimes people fail because they haven’t practiced enough. Sometimes they fail because the opposition is just too strong. And sometimes, you do everything right, and you still fail. I believe that is what Clint felt today as he bawled his head off during the runner-up medal presentations. After all, it was his man that scored the winning goal for Brasil, but it wasn’t due to a lack of effort on Clint’s part. Just a lack of height. Sometimes, you just have to tip your cap to the team with superior talent. If you have no hat to tip, tears of surrender may have to suffice.
I don’t mean to call the Confederation’s Cup “sour grapes”, but I would rather lose this tournament and have a deep run in the World Cup next summer than to win it now and whiff at the biggest stage. The hunger has not been satisfied. The United States still has work to do. Their minds saw a picture of glory. Raising the cup and dancing along the field were 45 minutes away. Now, the opportunity has passed, but the picture remains. Do they have what it takes to realize the picture next summer? Of course they do. Will they? I’m absolutely thrilled to watch them as we all find out.
