Off The Cuff: June 25, 2009

After hearing how “icky” On the Couch sounded, I have decided to rename the column.  It is now Off the Cuff.

Enjoy.

The word “amazing” gets used way to often in sports.

What happened in the Confederations Cup yesterday was “amazing”.

The United States was three and done for the tournament.

Their latest debacle on the international soccer stage.  Then a miracle on Father’s Day bred new life into a program that appeared to be headed in the wrong direction.

Born and raised in the United States, I have been teased by the possibility of the Americans making past the group stage in the World Cup.

In 1989, I was lucky enough to be at El Camino College to watch the US National team take on Trinidad and Tobago only to see them tie a must-win game.

During the 1994 World Cup, I saw the improbable when a sold-out Rose Bowl watched the Americans upset the wild hair of Valderrama and Columbia.  It seemed like a dream.  The US advanced out of the group stage for the first time.  Only to face Brazil on Independence Day and lose.

In the 1998 CONCACAF Gold Cup the USA upset the number one team in world in Brazil 1-0, at the Coliseum.  At the time it was considered one of the greatest victories in the US history.

2002 was the golden age of American soccer in the World Cup as they defeated Portugal in group play to advance to the second round.  In the round the US defeated our neighbor to the south in Mexico to get to the quarter-finals.  They would lose to eventual runner-up Germany in the quarters.

The 2006 World Cup was the next comical adventures for the US began in the first round and ended with a tie with Italy.  It was a abysmal showing for a team that wanted to be with the elite of soccer royalty.

Fast forward to today’s remarkable result.  Every pundit said they had no shot.  It was inconceivable for the Americans to win.  So much for the experts, that includes me.

Why?

Spain came into the game on a 35-game unbeaten streak.  The Spaniards had a FIFA record 15 straight victories.  Spain had not allowed a goal since April 1, the Americans had given up six goals prior to Sunday’s clean sheet against Egypt.  They also hadn’t lost to a non-European team since 1999.

But what happened on Tuesday was what American soccer is all about.  Great work ethic and pressure from the midfield.  They also played with heart.  They finally lived up to what US fans have long known.

That on any given match, the Americans can compete and defeat the best in the world.

Off The Cuff can be seen at www.midvalleysports.com on Wednesday to Sunday.

Andy’s Rants can be seen at www.midvalleynewsonline.com on Monday.

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