11/30/22
Ya ya I know, it’s been a minute since I’ve posted. No I’m not dead, just been busy as hell living the best life possible. But like I said, I’m back again.
You know what else is back? Soccer, but more importantly, Team USA. The U.S. soccer team officially made it to the knockout round of 16 in the FIFA World Cup. They finished 1-2-0 (win, draw, loss) in group stage, and will play the Netherlands on Saturday at 10am ET.
Look, this morning I turned on the TV and saw Stephen A. Smith on First Take talking about the US team. Stephen A. Smith knows a lot about the sports world, but never have I ever seen him talk about any soccer, let alone the world cup. Maybe he has a background in soccer, I don’t know, but I’m not gonna sit here and lie to you by trying to give an accurate depiction of how good the team is like him. The last time I played soccer the Iphone wasn’t out (I think).
With that being said, I think this team is at a moment in time where they can either be a disappointment, or a team of destiny. First thing’s first, the U.S. team easily is first team all best hair in the World Cup. More or less everyone on the team has some insane hair going on in the games. But seriously, from what my friends have told me who actually know soccer, this team is tactically awful, and it shows on the field. They can’t convert free kicks or corners at all, which down the road is going to be a problem. They are, however, fast as fuck, athletic, and young. The average age of the team is 25 years old which is insane.
It’s a blast to see them run up and down the field because they’re so fast. It’s also so promising as a fan that the team is so young because it means that the future is bright. The team is so easy to root for too. Tyler Adams is awesome and I think a lot more people fell in love with him after his response to an incredibly rude Iranian reporter’s question.
Matt Turner is easy to like also. He’s a goalie. Who doesn’t love a goalie?!? He finished the group stage in an unbelievable way only letting one goal in 3 games while pitching a shutout in the last 2 games.
Last but not least, Captain America. Christian Pulisic has taken the country by storm. He’s provided the team with a ton of scoring opportunities including literally putting his nuts on the line to score the only goal of the game to beat Iran. He got rushed to the damn hospital for the Red White and Blue.
Now, moving onto Saturday, this is potentially a legacy game for the United States. Keep in mind with what I’m saying the United States didn’t qualify for the last World Cup, so making it to the final 16 is a major accomplishment, but this is the United States. We expect to be the best all the time. With a young team, making it to the elite 8 would be so awesome. I’m not asking for the U.S. to win the whole thing, I think that’s too tall a task with powerhouses like France and Brazil in the mix, but beating the Netherlands I don’t think is impossible. Besides, looking back on this World Cup making the elite 8 would be a lot better then making out of the group stage in second place and just being a placeholder. At the end of the day, it all comes down to a team, playing a game, representing their country, in front of the world.
Sports n Stuff 