It’s unlikely I’ll be chanting “USA USA USA!” at any time in my life. However, when it comes to international WC soccer, I can say it’s the only time I ever cheer for our neighbours south of the border. I was rooting for them at the Confederations Cup. I am rooting for them to get to the WC (which should not be a problem). And I will be cheering for them at next year’s World Cup. Under almost no other circumstance will I be cheering for the Americans in any other sport. In fact, I will almost always be cheering AGAINST them.
When it comes to the World Cup, it’s different. First, they are the best, or second best, from our region. They will be one of our representatives from CONCACAF at the World Cup. I want them to play well, and do well, so our region puts forward a respectable showing and proves we deserve all 3/4 spots at the World Cup.
Second, they are underdogs when it comes to soccer, outside of CONCACAF. It’s always nice to cheer for the underdogs.
Third, we see a lot of their players regularly. Several TFC players have played for the US National team in recent years such as Marvell Wynn and Sam Cronin, albeit in minor roles.
Fourth, as the US goes, so often goes Canada. If soccer wasn’t big enough in the US for the MLS, there would be no TFC. If the US national team gets more competitive, more Americans will take note, and the profile of the team and the game will increase. So could the profile and attendance of the MLS. Americans, like most, like a winner. Wouldn’t it be great to tune into NBC or CBS for Sunday night football, that football being the MLS. It won’t happen any time soon, or even remotely soon, but babysteps. One of the steps is increasing the competitiveness of the US National team.
And fifth, since it’s been so long since Canada actually did anything well on the World Cup scene, it’s nice to be able to root for someone!
What I would like to see would be the upcoming CONCACAF WC qualifiers on TV! These will be entertaining matches, with meaning. Mexico v. El Salvador and USA v. Honduras on Saturday; and Costa Rica v. USA on the 14th. Unfortunately, it doesn’t look like we will get to see any of them, which is somewhat surprising given we have Fox Sports World, Gol TV, Setanta Canada, CBC, TSN, Sportsnet, the Score, all of which showed various soccer matches over the past year. I’d take USA v. Honduras over college soccer on Fox Sports World any day.
If anyone knows where these games can be seen on TV, please advise!
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