World Cup Over for U.S.

Ghana, with a little help from the referee (no really, I swear) ousted the United States from the World Cup this morning, 2-1. To be fair, the US didn't need much help losing this game. While I think the PK awarded in stoppage time at the end of the 2nd half really took the wind out of their sails, the fact is they squandered opportunities in the second half that could have gotten them back in the game. So now Ghana advances to a second round contest with Brazil, and the United States and Czech Republic will be going home.

Despite the fact that most everyone expected the U.S. to struggle getting out of the group, I don't think anyone quite imagined it would go like this. The lackadaisical play against the Czechs that resulted in a 3-0 loss put the U.S. in a deep hole. The grit and determination in holding off Italy after a lucky own-goal, and Ghana's stunning upset of the Czechs, put the U.S. back in position to advance. But today's team looked like a team that couldn't decide if it was the team that rolled through qualifying, or the team that let the Czechs slash them to pieces. Quite frankly, the U.S. would have gained more respect by competing against but losing to the Czechs, competing against but losing to Italy, and winning against Ghana. That would have also probably resulted in an exit, but one that would have gained the U.S. a certain measure of respect from the soccer super-powers. Instead, this team leaves you thinking that if they can't show up to play to their potential in the World Cup, when will they ever?

Of course there will be much discussion regarding the fallout of this poor showing. Several U.S. players have damaged their reputations, perhaps for good (Donovan, Beasley...perhaps Reyna.) There may be calls for Bruce Arena's head. There is the fear that this poor showing could damage MLS. And questions as to who will replace some of the second generation players who will not return for the 2010 World Cup. I have ideas, but will save them for another time after the emotional let-down wears off.

Anyway, despite the U.S. poor showing, the World Cup continues. Group play finishes up over the next couple of days, and beautiful, incredible, fantastic soccer is still being played. The World Cup is more than a chance for one's own country to do well before the entire world. It's a celebration of soccer itself, and you can count on me and many others here at home to keep tuning in even as our boys come home.