What Happened to the U.S. Men’s National Soccer Team?: The Ugly Truth About the Beautiful Game...And How to Fix It by Steven G. Mandis & Sarah Parsons Wolter

Author:Steven G. Mandis & Sarah Parsons Wolter [Mandis, Steven G. & Wolter, Sarah Parsons]
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 9781641256131
Google: Ul8TEAAAQBAJ
Published: 2021-05-18T12:56:27+00:00

9. 2010 World Cup: U.S. Soccer Is Legitimate

The Greatest Moments in U.S. Soccer History

In July 2019, Sports Illustrated published an article that listed the greatest moments in U.S. Soccer history. Two of the eight mentioned have to do with the 2010 World Cup, which indicates how special it was. Interestingly, the 2002 World Cup was not mentioned! The list is below.

No. 1. In 2019, the USWNT reaching their third consecutive FIFA World Cup Final and winning their fourth World Cup title overall. Sports Illustrated wrote, “The men have received plenty of mentions for their achievements over the past century, but they aren’t a patch on the women, whose efforts far surpass anything their counterparts have done.”

No. 2. In 1950, the USMNT beating England 1–0 in the World Cup in Brazil. At the time, England were often referred to as the “Kings of Europe,” with a postwar record of 23 wins, four losses, and three ties. England had beaten Italy 4–0 and Portugal 10–0 in the weeks leading up to the tournament. Conversely, the USMNT consisted of semiprofessional players, most of whom had other jobs to support their families. Their professions included high school teacher, hearse driver for an uncle’s funeral home, letter carrier, and dishwasher. One player had to cancel attending because he couldn’t get time off from work.

The USMNT had lost their last seven international matches by the combined score of 45–2. The coach told the press that his players were “sheep ready to be slaughtered” and the English Daily Express wrote, “It would be fair to give the U.S. three goals to start.” The result of England 0–1 USA was considered so unimaginable that one London newspaper presumed the postmatch telegram they received from their representative was a typo and published a score line of England 10–1 USA.110

No. 3. In 1991, the USMNT and USWNT winning their first major silverware. The USMNT won the Gold Cup and the USWNT won the World Cup.

No. 4. In 1994, the U.S. hosting the 1994 World Cup.

No. 5. In 2007, David Beckham signing with the LA Galaxy.

No. 6. In 2007, Kristine Lilly becoming the first player to achieve 300 caps (appearances in a game at an international level), the “Triple-Century.” Lilly retired with 345 caps over 23 years. She made her debut for the USWNT while she was still attending high school. She participated in the 1991, 1995, 1999, 2003, and 2007 Women’s World Cups, winning in 1991 and 1999. She also competed in the 1996, 2000, and 2004 Olympics, winning gold in 1996 and 2004 and silver in 2000. The most caps for any male player from any country is 184 over 16 years. Christine Rampone Pearce is the only other player to have more than 300 caps; she has 311.

No. 7. A goal from the 2010 World Cup to be remembered. To be discussed later.

No. 8. A first since 1930 from the 2010 World Cup. To be discussed later.

2010 World Cup, South Africa

In the 1994 World Cup, many of the USMNT’s players played together growing up, in college, or in Mission Viejo.

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