American Men Make History
"If you can't sit there and watch that goal and get a chill down your spine then you don't have a pulse." – Tony Massarotti
The United States soccer team advanced to the World Cup round of 16 with a thrilling 1-0 win over Algeria Wednesday. Landon Donovan's dramatic goal in the 91st minute clinched the first US World Cup win in over eight years. The Americans will now face Ghana Saturday afternoon with a chance to advance to the quarterfinals.
Felger: "That game today was the reason we all watch sports. I was literally bouncing around my living room watching that game this morning. The game may not be important to you, but for the people who have brought this sport back on an international level in this country it's a huge day. This goal was the equivalent of a basketball player hitting a game winning shot at the buzzer on the world's biggest stage. It was brilliant. It was phenomenal and for people who don't give the World Cup a shot I feel bad for you. You missed out. I'm a sucker for the USA in team sports period. When the Olympics come around I watch team handball. I try to watch the water polo until the whistles drive me away, but I'm a sucker for that stuff to begin with. So this has always been right up my alley. If you watched this game today it was a 90 minute grind to get a goal, but for all of us who invested the time to watch it, it was special."
Mazz: "I didn't watch the whole thing beginning to end, but I checked in during the middle of it to see what the score was. I watched 15 minutes or so of it, but Mike I've said it a million times that if you give me good competition in a meaningful game and I will pay attention. I did go back and look at the highlights and I did get the sense when I was watching that there was a decided edge in territorial play in favor of the US and they just couldn't score. It was insanely frustrating. That goal is all over the web, it's all over cable, and it's all over everywhere. If you can't sit there and watch that goal and get a chill down your spine then you don't have a pulse. I'm not a soccer fan per say but I told you I love competition and that's team USA out there. People root for the laundry and that's all I'm doing today."
The Collin-tary: I will be the fist one to admit I hate soccer. I hate soccer, but love the USA. It's as simple as that, but why you may ask? For starters, the matches seem more times than not to have such little scoring that it's hard to watch 90 minutes of jogging. Second, I detest ties. I can't believe I'm saying this, but FIFA should look to the NHL as an example. The NHL did away with ties and employed a shoot out system because fans hate ties. It truly is like kissing your sister no matter what country you're from. Lastly, the officiating and flopping in soccer is unbearable. Players act like they've been gunned down on the field only to happily jog away after the officials have granted a free kick. Not to mention the officials consistently give into these temper tantrums. It's like watching the Montreal Canadians try to play what they call "hockey". Enough said.
I feel these commonly shared sentiments among American's are in large part the reason soccer is slow to grow in this country. However, Wednesday, June 23rd 2010 may just be the day that helps change all that. People are slowly starting to embrace the World Cup as a chance every four years to come together. All across the country Americans piled into bars, restaurants, or any establishment with cable to catch a glimpse of history. Some genuinely love the game, some are learning the game, but most are rooting for something greater than the game.
Landon Donovan's goal in the 91st minute propelled the United States National Team through to the round of 16. It marked the first US World Cup win in over eight years and marks the first time since 1930 (The First World Cup) that the US has won its group. However, Donovan's goal means so much more. It's a rare chance for the United States to unite and to celebrate the freedoms we experience every day as Americans. This goal provides a glimmer of hope to a country that has been at war for the better part of a decade, and much like its soccer team, rebounded from great tragedy.
Despite being down 2-0 at halftime against Slovenia, against overwhelming odds the US rallied to salvage a draw. In that game the Americans were unjustly robbed of victory on a horrible officiating decision late in the match. Wednesday brought a new set of challenges with hit posts, missed opportunities, and yet another disallowed goal due to poor officiating. The US stared down blatant officiating injustices in a World Cup that seemed destined to exclude them from the next round. They stayed calm under immense pressure during stoppage time, continued to push forward, never quit, and never surrendered until all that frustration was blasted into the back of the Algerian net. This year's version of the US National Team may not be the most talented in the World Cup, but they truly embody American values. That's something for this country to take pride in.
It was reported by the U.S. Soccer Federation that the 42nd President of the United States, Bill Clinton, waited more than 45 minutes outside the locker room to congratulate the US team. Donovan's goal sent boisterous eruptions from soccer bars on the West Coast, to the New York Stock Exchange, and even through the White House. This wasn't just any goal. For those fortunate enough to see it live this was something truly special.
Even if you don't like soccer, take this rare opportunity to celebrate the greatest country in the world and all those who have sworn to protect it. Whether you have a soul for sports or simply take pride in your country how can you not watch? This weekend it's time to fire up the grill, plug-in the big screen, stock the fridge, invite the neighborhood, and celebrate a team of men admirably representing The United States of America. The US will next take on Ghana at 2:30 p.m. ET on Saturday.
