World Cup fever has returned this summer. Hundreds of viral videos were posted across the web of fans’ reactions to Landon Donavan’s goal to beat Algeria and clinch the U.S.’s first ever first place group stage finish. It was a huge moment for U.S. soccer, and many thought it would take soccer to the next level across the country. Then came a disappointing loss to Ghana.
With more investment from MLS to grow their brand including more matches on television than ever, and NBC’s record-breaking contract to carry every single English Premier League in HD online or on TV, it seems soccer has begun to take off.
With all the watch parties and reaction videos seen in the past couple weeks, this World Cup seems to mean more to the American people than the 2010 version. Part of that may have been the fact the U.S. was a major underdog. Americans love underdog stories. Many, including myself, felt they had no chance at advancing. Germany was a global powerhouse, Portugal had Christiano Ronaldo who had come off a prolific season at Real Madrid and Ghana had eliminated the U.S. from the last two World Cups.
This World Cup has not only brought soccer back into the spotlight of the average American, but it has taught Americans what it’s like to be a real soccer fan. In a sense, this World Cup has taught us the lessons fans across the globe have known for decades.
The lesson of the first game: never give up. John Brooks’ second-half header gave the U.S. a vital win in their opening match this year. Similar to Donavan’s goal against Algeria four years ago, the U.S. had a dream result on the world stage. After an early goal by Dempsey, Ghana tied the game with eight minutes left. The nation rejoiced and embraced the thrill of victory as Brooks scored only four minutes later.
The second lesson: heartbreak. This is the one thing that connects all fans of the beautiful game. Trophies and famous wins are cherished, but it’s the bad times that seem to linger much longer in the minds and hearts of fans. After a heroic display against Portugal, which included two second-half goals to give the U.S. the lead, the stars and stripes were seconds away from clinching a place in the knockout round. Ronaldo came to Portugal’s rescue and delivered a world-class cross that Varela headed in with the last kick of the match to tie the game 2-2. The collective wind of the team and the fans was sucked out. It was devastating and many thought the dream was over.
However, the final group match allowed U.S. fans to learn the greatest soccer lesson of all: It’s not all about winning. Many were critical of the team and fans celebrating after a 1-0 loss to Germany in its final group match. However, fans needed to look at the big picture to see what was accomplished. The U.S. stayed composed and despite the large gap in talent, managed to lose by just one to advance.
The U.S. team’s journey so far has not been easy. They traveled more than any other team and faced extreme conditions in two matches, but U.S. fans learned that it’s these challenges and the imperfections of soccer that make it the beautiful game.