The United States and Soccer

"I've been in two World Cups where we had a great game and then let down the next game, said Donovan. "I won't let that happen, and I'll make sure the team doesn't let that happen." -- Landon Donovan, in the 6/21/2010 edition of Sports Illustrated

In order to make a run at any championship in sports, a few things are needed. A quality team, an attitude to never quit, and proof that the team and the attitude can win games.

In the 91st minute of the USA vs Algeria World Cup match, the United States brought all three of those things together. But, there are two other very important things that occurred when Landon Donovan sent his team into the next round of the World Cup.

The first thing that occurred is that the United States was given its first World Cup Moment. A "where were you when" event that people will reminisce about for years to come which people immortalize with video.

The second thing that occurred is that the U.S. gave themselves a story. They eradicated the demons from the previous World Cup and showed that they're a force on the biggest stage in the sport. If the disallowed goals were counted, then the United States would have finished the group stage of the 2010 World Cup with seven points. The only two teams at the writing of this blog that have more points are Argentina and the Netherlands. The only other two teams who have a shot at reaching that number of points are Brazil and Portugal. This is America's World Cup coming out party where the team has proven that they not only deserve to participate in the tournament, but that they can succeed there.

This World Cup is the perfect storm for soccer in the United States. MLS already had higher average attendance numbers than the NBA and NHL before the World Cup began. Tons of people are not only interested in the team, but they're getting up early in the morning to watch the games. Conversations about the World Cup are happening all over the place wherever I go. It's amazing to watch and placing first in Group C united a lot of people and cemented a following for U.S. soccer in the future.

Consider how many kids 12 and under are watching this World Cup. Try to imagine how much this affects them and the sports they're going to view for the rest of their lives. Sure, some of them may only watch the World Cup every four years. But, even that itself is impressive given that the U.S. first really made waves in the tournament back in 1994. Especially with the poor results the team had in the previous two World Cups.

It'll be very interesting to see how all of this ends up. Do I believe that the U.S. will win it all? No, I don't think so. But, no one expected them to beat Spain 3-0 either.

So, I guess we'll all have to watch and see how this story ends. It's going to quite a ride.