There was a quiet and somber aire that floated through the Arena Fonte Nova on Tuesday. As the players slowly exited the arena in Brazil one last time, reality sunk in for the group of 23 US players and for fans watching both in Brazil and at home. The fact that the United States had been eliminated in the Group of 16 for the second consecutive World Cup after 120 minutes of nerve-wracking and exciting play, it began to feel real.
“A heroic effort. Even when we were down 2-0, I thought we would come back, and we had four, five chances,” explained disappointed yet proud Klinsmann. “There was so much pure emotion.”
“We’re still building and it’s obviously disappointing not to get a little further here,” said Klinsmann. “It’s no longer the case that we’re happy just to be in the second round. We want to advance, the players want to advance and they know they’re capable of it.”
USMNT Leaving Brazil
The man of the hour, rather two hours was Tim Howard. The US saw an unbelievable performance from the veteran goalkeeper, recording 16 heroic saves, the most by any goalkeeper in the World Cup since 1966. Named Man of the Match, Howard played simply out of this world. We saw the 35 year old dive, leap, and fly through the air, positioned perfectly, holding the US on the entire game. Simply put, Howard was the only thing separating the US from an absolute onslaught by the Belgium squad. Had it not been for him, the US’ destiny would have been sealed before halftime. Despite his incredible performance and post-game accolades, the humble Everton keeper took no personal credit.
“None of that really matters to me,” Howard said. “It is part of the job. It hurts when we lose, whether I had no saves or 20 saves, it doesn’t mean any more or less.”
The whistle blew and when the 120 minute battle was over, we saw Howard slowly unwrap his gloves and be immediately comforted by teammates and coaching staff.
“This was definitely an amazing goalkeeper performance,” commented Klinsmann. “There is no doubt about it. He should be very proud of himself and we are proud to have him with us. Tim played tonight just phenomenal; he was outstanding.”
“Huge,” said defender Matt Besler, when asked about Howard’s performance. “He is our backbone. It is nice as a defender when you know you have that behind you.”
Howard did not let down, not once. If any player deserved to advance to the next round, it was Tim Howard. A hoarse, almost voiceless Howard spoke to reporters this morning explaining how proud he was of his team for giving “everything” they had and continually expressing his dire aspiration to forever change the game soccer in America.
“As once a young kid who loved the sport and couldn’t find anything on television, we’ve come a pretty long way.”
At age 35, most are skeptical if Howard will return for the 2018 World Cup roster as a 39 year old. For now, Howard plans to take time off to spend with family and then “get back to work” over in England for Everton. Regardless of whether or not Howard pulls on a US keeper jersey again, he will forever go down in history as an American soccer legend.
A player on the complete opposite side of the age/experience spectrum is the 20-year-old DeAndre Yedlin. The 5’8’’ Seattle Sounder defender showed incredible speed and versatility on both sides of the ball. We saw Yedlin making runs forward and back to defend with the same intensity; a rare trait in a fullback. A complete playmaker whenever called on, Yedlin will be looked to for many years to come by the United States.
“The way the kid played tonight and previous occasions there was just no fear at all and doing very, very well.” Commented Klinsmann on the young defender’s performance.
During the match, Twitter had already been consumed by coverage/opinions of the US’ play. As the US began their overtime come-from-behind rally, social media exploded. Despite the US’ support, the belief and nationalism soon turned into dying belief as Belgium scored two back-to-back goals. The minor loss in faith would soon be turned around as the US made an unbelievable rally sparked by 19-year-old Julian Green’s goal. Although the US had battled the entire game and their come-from-behind fight had began well before the goal, the entire country and world saw the game change before their eyes and the US come within inches of seeing penalty shootout.
Soon, after only given one minute of extra time, the clock quickly ran down. Sitting in complete disbelief, the world watched as the remarkable underdog story of the United States, written in Rio de Janeiro, was now over.
“31 teams get their heart broken,” said goalkeeper Tim Howard. “Sometimes you give everything you have an you do your absolute best and it doesn’t stack up, and that was tonight. We dreamed and we fell short of our dream.”
The somber yet hopeful and inspired hearts of the US weren’t the only ones that took notice yesterday when the US’ storybook campaign was ended.
Belgium’s own Vincent Kompany took to social media to acknowledge Tim Howard.
Two words.. TIM HOWARD #Respect #BelUSA
— Vincent Kompany (@VincentKompany) July 1, 2014
World Class superstar Wayne Rooney declared his support of the US.
Have to admit I’m a USA fan today — Wayne Rooney (@WayneRooney) July 1, 2014
The UK Daily Telegraph read “The USA may be leaving, but they have truly arrived”.
Those 23 have changed the game of soccer in this country. As a team, assigned to the feared “Group of Death”, remained the ninth final standing team left in the world’s largest sporting event. A nation with zero expectations entering this tournament, known for anything but soccer on a national level, had defied the odds and proved what has been a long time coming; up-and-rising competitive national soccer in the United States. Whether it was the increased level of play shown, the come-from-behind games, remarkable goals, the entire US found interest in a sport that has never been a top priority.
“The number of people at home that weren’t soccer fans that tuned in, pretty incredible,” commented US Soccer President Sunil Gulati.
From the “I Believe” chants, the extraordinary weekly watch parties, to the simply die-hard support from fans across the nation; the tide is turning and the entire United States has taken notice to the incredible brand of soccer that the US is developing and shown in this campaign.
Although I, as many do, have my doubts about the decision-making, tactical approach, and overall style of coach Jürgen Klinsmann with this US team, he does make one very valid point; they’re still building. Although, at times in this campaign, lack of experience and age was the team’s downfall, this 2014 World Cup has set the stage for 2018 and many years to come.
Sure, they should have made it farther; they deserved to. Yes, there were blatant mistakes that could have and did cost the team. Yes, certain roster/lineup decisions were questionable. But again, they’re building. As the old saying says; Rome wasn’t built in a day. The Yankee’s didn’t build a $2.4 Billion winning franchise in 3 years. The Boston Celtics didn’t create a championship dynasty in only the late 60’s. The LA Galaxy and DC United didn’t become the most successful franchises overnight. It’s going to take the United States time; there are many things that need development and dissection. But the tide is, in fact, turning. This team defied the odds and proved themselves as an up-and-rising competitive team in global soccer; something that has yet to be done by this country.
After watching my fair share of post-game coverage this morning, I went for a drive. As I drove through my town, I witnessed something that astonished me. Repetitively, I drove past games of soccer; 11v11, 5-aside, 3-on-3, 1v1… At local grade schools, high schools, parking lots, any open grass. I had to have seen at least 10 different instances. Finally, I came upon a field of young high school students; some with playing experience, others just there for fun. One of the students was wearing a number 9, red/white/blue US jersey; Julian Green’s. I sat and watched as the group of 10 played to small goals. The Julian Green look alike took a ball down and beat the last defender. He turned to his teammate, gave a cheeky smile, and pointed his finger to the direction of his teammate, just as Julian did last night in the US’ comeback.
From that small moment, I saw an even brighter future for soccer in the states. To support the point of US player Terrence Boyd; the display during this campaign from Jürgen Klinsmann and the group of 23 US players is what makes young Michael Jordans and Cam Newtons choose soccer over other sports in high school.
The disappointment and grief from the US’ stunted World Cup run should be overtaken by optimism and belief in the future of the United States Men’s Soccer team. The US got exactly as far as they did four years ago at the last World Cup, but the progression and strides that were made, are unthinkable.
Now the question is directed towards us, the rest of America; what now? What can we do from here? Support this brand of soccer; not every four years, but day-in and day-out. You don’t have to wait 1,430 days until you break out the scarves, the white collards and red, white, and blue aways. Major League Soccer, a league which half of the 23 players you watched play for, is one of the fastest growing sports leagues in our nation. Tune in, follow teams, and pledge your support – It’ll make for an even better time when the United States return to leave an even bigger mark in 2018. Until then, one more time in honor of the 23; I Believe…
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