While sane U.S. men’s national team fans spend the buildup to the World Cup reminding themselves of the gap that still exists between their team and the best nations in the world, something odd always happens as the tournament nears.
Hope seeps in.
You’ve felt it, haven’t you? That brief moment where you allow yourself to imagine Mauricio Pochettino’s team charging into the World Cup semifinals on home soil? Perhaps the moment was inspired by a chance-creating showcase against Senegal two weekends ago. Or perhaps it was sparked by the U.S. going toe-to-toe with Germany on Saturday.
Regardless, today I’m here to help you snap back to reality. Consider this preparation for the virtually inevitable sadness that will set in for you and the rest of the USMNT’s fanbase at some point over the next month. Really, I’m guarding your heart so you don’t have to. You’re welcome.
If the U.S. falls short of your wildest dreams on home soil, one of these things will probably be the reason why.
The World Cup is here. So is our biggest discount ever.
The USMNT simply doesn’t have an elite talent pool
Want a sobering dose of reality? Good. Here goes. Only eight teams have ever won the men's World Cup. There’s a select group of national teams who have taken care of business at one or more of history's 22 men's World Cups, and the United States isn't among them. There hasn't been a new entrant into that exclusive club since Spain won it all in 2010. Put simply, the odds of a new winner are low.
Even if there is a new winner, why should it be the U.S.?
