Commentary: U.S. no longer soccer doormat
For the better part of the 20th century, the United States’ dominant position in global politics and economics did not carry over to the soccer field.
A nation consumed with its own version of football, baseball, basketball and even ice hockey, the U.S. did not pay much attention to the football played in the rest of the world. As a result, national teams from countries with disadvantaged economic and political situations long relished the opportunity to dominate the United States in soccer.
The United States failed to qualify for any of the World Cups held between 1954 and 1986. With the exception of the inaugural World Cup in 1930, when the U.S. reached the semifinals of a tournament boycotted by many soccer powers, and a monumental 1950 World Cup victory over England, the American soccer team has languished in obscurity. That is, until the 1990s.
At Italy in 1990, the U.S. faced two of the three teams it will face this summer, Italy and Czech Republic (then Czechoslovakia). While the U.S. lost all three matches that year, the stage was set for what would become one of the most remarkable rises in soccer history.
The World Cup in 1994 was held in the United States, and therefore the U.S. qualified as the host country. Expectations were low, but a 2-1 upset victory over Colombia and a draw with Switzerland were enough to guarantee passage to the second round. Unfortunately, that meant the U.S. had to face eventual champions Brazil and lost by the slimmest of margins, 1-0.
Major League Soccer (MLS) began its first season of competition in 1996, marking the return of an outdoor professional soccer league to the United States after the demise of the North American Soccer League in 1984. MLS signed most of the U.S. national-team players, recruited young talent from colleges throughout the country and signed some nearly washed-up foreign stars. The league is by far the most important factor contributing to the improved quality of the U.S. soccer team.
The 1998 World Cup was a forgettable debacle for American fans, as the U.S. was drawn in a tough group and defeated by Germany, Yugoslavia and Iran, finishing dead last. As a result, Coach Steve Sampson was fired, and Bruce Arena, who had led D.C. United to MLS championships, was hired and remains coach to this day. In contrast to France ’98, the 2002 World Cup was a spectacular tournament for U.S. soccer, as the team defeated Portugal and Mexico before suffering an unlucky defeat by eventual finalists Germany 1-0 in the quarterfinal match.
At Germany 2006, the U.S. is again in a tough group, having to play second-ranked Czech Republic today, perennial power Italy on Saturday and Ghana next week. But the team chemistry is strong, many American players now have experience playing in professional leagues throughout Europe, and their consistent international performances have earned a top-10 world ranking. The U.S. is no longer considered a doormat for soccer-loving nations to trounce upon. Regardless of the relative lack of fan support in this country, the talent and experience of the team will make them tough to beat.