The United States’ participation in the Group stage and the Round of 16 at the World Cup lasted only four games for soccer fans (football to the purists), but it was a heck of a lot of fun.
To be honest, the United States still needs some help to look the big-time soccer powers in the eyes. We aren’t there yet. We need some strong players who can easily score. We had a hard time putting the goal in the net.
Soccer means a lot more to fans elsewhere in the world, which leads to strong players like Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo and Kylian Mbappé. I’m basing my opinion on what I’ve read as well as what knowledgeable people tell me.
I never played the game. It wasn’t offered at my schools. I guess I played every sport that was
offered, but I had to wait until I had children so I could watch their games as Molly, Rob, Peter
and John did play soccer.
The U.S. faltered in its opening World Cup game, a Group B contest on Nov. 21, tying Wales, 1-1. The United States’ Timothy Weah scored in the 36th minute, while Gareth Bale equalized at the 82nd of 90 regular game minutes. And from what I’ve read, the United States had the superior team, but didn’t show it.
In its next group contest, on Nov. 25, the U.S. surprised a better team, England, with a scoreless tie.
That meant that in its third game of Round B, it would be necessary to come out a victor to
advance to the Round of 16 and the United States did just that, defeating Iran, 1-0, on Nov. 29, with America’s ace, Christian Pulisic, scoring the goal at the 36th minute.
In the Round of 16, on Saturday, Dec. 3, the U.S. drew a formidable opponent in No. 8 Netherlands, which was living on an unbeaten streak of 12 victories and four ties.
For the first eight minutes of the game, the U.S. set the pace, outplaying its well-regarded opponent. Even getting a shot on goal. But, of course, the die was cast.
Goals from Memphis Depay, Daley Blind and Denzel Dumfries, starting with the Depay goal at
the 10th minute of the first quarter, settled the issue.
After Blind scored just before halftime, the U.S. scored its goal at the half on a shot by Pulisic that bounced off Haji Wright and into the net at the 81:30 mark. That made it 2-1 Netherlands, but the Dutch soon scored another goal for the 3-1 final score.
“This is a difficult one to handle,” U.S. head coach Gregg Berhalter said in a post-match
interview. “We came up short today, but not for lack of trying or lack of effort.”
So, the Netherlands moved on, while the United States team went home.
In 1930, with only 13 teams in the field, the U.S. made the semifinal. But this is a different era. And, as I said, we need better players.
