Twenty years ago, the USA qualified for their first World Cup since 1950. They were hopelessly outclassed, but their qualification was a fortunate thing for FIFA, who had already awarded hosting rights for the '94 competition to the Americans.
Since that time, aside from the freakish 2002 tournament, the highlights for the USA have been a lumbering ginger defender with a goatee, an own goal with a tragic aftermath, a fractured cheek and a bloodied nose to two of their "star" players and a rare act of US diplomacy where they allowed Iran take all three points from their '98 clash.
Last night's 2-2 draw with the mighty Slovenia is undoubtedly right up there...
So, in short, they have done little to repay the faith that FIFA has shown in them. So why all the propoganda about the rise and rise of US soccer?
I searched the internet to find out. Specifically, wiki.answers.com - given it is monopolised by Americans. Americans who clearly have a rich understanding of the game...
Q. What is the growth of US soccer?
A. At least 880 since 1908.
Q. What is the history of soccer in the US?
A. The history of us soccer is fairly bad. We have not won a championship but we have good players.
Q. In the US why dont they call football soccer and soccer football?
A. Because people are stubborn, and we have to accept that.
Q. Who funds the us soccer team?
A. Your mum or the government.
Q. Why is soccer not so popular in the US?
A. Soccer is not popular in America, because there is no tradition of the sport in the counry. For generations American football, baseball, basketball and hockey have been traditional FATHER AND SON activities. People tend to follow tradition.
Q. Where did soccer come from?
A. Soccer oringinally came from the Netherlands. There they called it foot ball. When they had introduced this to other countries we had already had our sport "football" so we had to come up with a new name for it. So, if you enjoy soccer thank the people in the Netherlands.
Q. How many points for a win in soccer?
A. You need more than the other team. Or you will never win a match.
Q. How do you get good in soccer?
A. In soccer you must be very good at running and endurance, I run a couple miles and I am able to keep up with average kids. Also you must have very good ball control, kick the ball around often. You must be able to kick the ball far so go to a park and kick over and over. If you are a goal keeper you should have a net, or use your garage, and practice with a friend.
1.Tell the friend to go easy on you
2.then go harder on you
3.and harder
4.etc
These are genuine answers. I kid you not!
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