After hearing how “icky” On the Couch sounded, I have decided to rename the column.\u00a0 It is now Off the Cuff.<\/p>\n
Enjoy.
\n
\nThe word “amazing” gets used way to often in sports.<\/p>\n
What happened in the Confederations Cup yesterday was “amazing”.<\/p>\n
The United States was three and done for the tournament.<\/p>\n
Their latest debacle on the international soccer stage.\u00a0 Then a miracle on Father’s Day bred new life into a program that appeared to be headed in the wrong direction.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
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.\u00a0 It seemed like a dream.\u00a0 The US advanced out of the group stage for the first time.\u00a0 Only to face Brazil on Independence Day and lose.<\/p>\n
In the 1998 CONCACAF Gold Cup the USA upset the number one team in world in Brazil 1-0, at the Coliseum.\u00a0 At the time it was considered one of the greatest victories in the US history.<\/p>\n
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.\u00a0 In the round the US defeated our neighbor to the south in Mexico to get to the quarter-finals.\u00a0 They would lose to eventual runner-up Germany in the quarters.<\/p>\n
The 2006 World Cup was the next comical adventures for the US began in the first round and ended with a tie with Italy.\u00a0 It was a abysmal showing for a team that wanted to be with the elite of soccer royalty.<\/p>\n
Fast forward to today’s remarkable result.\u00a0 Every pundit said they had no shot.\u00a0 It was inconceivable for the Americans to win.\u00a0 So much for the experts, that includes me.<\/p>\n
Why?<\/p>\n
Spain came into the game on a 35-game unbeaten streak.\u00a0 The Spaniards had a FIFA record 15 straight victories.\u00a0 Spain had not allowed a goal since April 1, the Americans had given up six goals prior to Sunday’s clean sheet against Egypt.\u00a0 They also hadn’t lost to a non-European team since 1999.<\/p>\n
But what happened on Tuesday was what American soccer is all about.\u00a0 Great work ethic and pressure from the midfield.\u00a0 They also played with heart.\u00a0 They finally lived up to what US fans have long known.<\/p>\n
That on any given match, the Americans can compete and defeat the best in the world.<\/p>\n
Off The Cuff can be seen at www.midvalleysports.com on Wednesday to Sunday.<\/p>\n
Andy’s Rants can be seen at www.midvalleynewsonline.com on Monday.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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