So I do not know if anyone is even reading the blog but if you are then you surely saw that the USA pulled a rabbit out of their collective hat and served me some humble pie after my harsh critique of the team last week.
USA came out dominant and played with purpose and handed it to Egypt 3-0 and thanks to Italy failing to show up against Brazil, which was one of the most embarrassing performance in their storied history, the USA advanced to the semifinals.
While I was thoroughly pumped up about the win, I knew that the best team in the world, Spain, was waiting for the USA in the semifinals. Yes. I would love to see the USA pull of the biggest win in the program's history, but I am also a realist. Spain is currently ranked #1 in the world, they have a 15 match winning streak and a 35 game undefeated streak, and feature one of the most skilled teams in recent memory; so it is safe to say the USA will be a HUGE underdog.
However this is not a time for USA soccer to subscribe to the "Hey no one expected us to advance so who cares what happens in this game" mentality. This is a huge opportunity for the USA to show its not just a team that got lucky. I realize they probably cannot win this match up but it will depend on how they lose that will set the tone for the future. If USA losses 2-1 or 3-2 and gives Spain a test, then they will have sent a message to the world that they are for real. If USA comes out gives up 2 early goals and loses 3-0 or 4-1 than its back to square one. The USA needs a clutch performance even if it is a losing one because anything less means this tournament gave them nothing except a fluke win and some help from Brazil.
So please USA come out play with purpose, play with pride, and lets make sure we actually gain something from this tournament.
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