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Posted by
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June 24, 2014 |
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Aaron Nielsen
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@ENBSports
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One of the big events in this World Cup has been the CONCACAF story. So far, after each country has played two games in the group stage, CONCACAF nations are 5-2-2, with Costa Rica already advancing to the knockout stage and in position to win their group. Meanwhile, Mexico took care of business advancing through a 3-1 win over Croatia, and the United States are very much alive in qualifying for the knockout round. The US has an outside chance of winning their groups and, based on how this World Cup has played out in the first two weeks, you never know.
Looking back at most experts’ analysis, most had none of the CONCACAF countries advancing, including all the statistical models. Personally, I don't understand this, as statistics are based on previous results, which is hard to do when two teams have rarely played each other before. For me, going into the tournament, I thought the United States could advance in their group and thought it was a toss-up between Mexico and Croatia to go through out of their group. However, as far I know, only one person had Costa Rica going through and that was fellow RNO writer and podcaster Kamal Hylton.
Despite being a big Arsenal fan and well versed in global football, Kamal has found an approach I find very smart in this modern world where everybody can express their option and start writing a blog or do a podcast. Instead of mimicking many who are writing about the English Premier League, adding another opinion in the endless pit of "who cares" and "you're not bringing anything new", he has decided to concentrate on MLS and CONCACAF. Added to this, he is also working with the local development League One Ontario and has spent a good amount of time following the game domestically, to the point where he and I can discuss soccer in the CONCACAF region, even when it's not in the spotlight.
Now admittedly, just like any Italian, English or Portuguese follower, because Kamal spends a lot of time following the CONCACAF region, he now has a closer relationship to those players and countries, which to the cynic might create a bias. I say there is nothing wrong with this. For example, I have a friend with a Brazilian girlfriend who's new to Canada and I will bet anyone she knows more about Brazilian Soccer than any paid World Cup pundit in North America. So it's not a case of disrespecting the other countries, it's about having a genuine belief that one team can compete or win against another based on what you feel the team - that you have an intimate knowledge of - can provide.
The Gaffer and Hooligan Podcast:
CONCACAF making a World Cup statement!
This has been an ongoing story for this World Cup. In my last article I wrote how analytics and globalization have made players and countries more aware and comfortable in the circumstances that they have faced. So much so that it has allowed teams to take greater risks, mainly because the coaches and players have a genuine belief they can succeed.
Traditionally in the World Cup, when a strong country plays a weak country, especially a much weaker country, the weak country will stand behind the ball and take pressure hoping for a draw or even losing by one or two goals, and this will be enough for them to be happy about their performance. The reality in soccer is there is nothing wrong with this, and, in many cases, especially during the last game in a group stage, one point can be as valuable as three. We should also not take anything away from Iran, who played their hearts out only to lose against Argentina due to a last second Messi goal and put in an extremely brave showing for a 99% underdog.
This is also how, outside of maybe Mexico, all CONCACAF teams have played - going in as underdogs and hoping something can came from it. In the past it was easy to dismiss any chances these nations might have had, but that approach was showcased by United States when they hosted the World Cup in 1994.
When the USA was granted the World Cup in 1994 there were some concerns, which were easily dismissed, such as people would not attend the tournament. In reality it was the best attended World Cup ever, similar to this World Cup and the weather not being a deterrent. However, one story that year that was a legitimate concern was whether the United States National Soccer team was even good enough to play at the World Cup? The US turned many heads and brought FIFA relief by getting out of their group, although admittedly with a lot of luck, and they finished third playing eventual champions Brazil in the last 16.
On July 4th, 1994, in front of 84,147 supporting fans just outside of San Francisco, and despite being a man up at half-time after Brazilian attacking midfielder Leonardo was red carded, the United States did what Iran did this past weekend and stood all men behind the Brazil attack. With the freedom of the ball, Brazil did what they could to score, first hitting the post and then having a shot saved off the line. Until finally, in the 74 minute, after an inspiring run by Romario, Bebeto scored putting Brazil through and ending the United States tournament after only attempting one real chance in the game.
Video of Bebeto's goal
Fast forward 20 years later and in many ways it’s very hard for me to admit it, but the team I'm now supporting in this World Cup is the United States. Selfishly, because it will be great for business, but generally after seeing almost every country play in the circumstances given, they have been the team who has brought me the most joy watching them play and they provide the story I want to continue.
The reason is a familiarity with the players and the hype of the crow. But what makes this team different is the US team - individually to the entire unit - and even the fans have a genuine belief that they can beat Ghana and be better than Portugal. I also foresee them challenging Germany and whoever they might play after that, if they advance.
I might be on island, as most still see the MLS players who are the core of the US roster as a laugh in the football playing world. The site Transfermarkt rates the US squad valued at 56 million, compared to Ghana at 85 million and Portugal at a staggering 262 million. This probably shows more problems with that site than reality, but it does give an example of the expectations for the US and other CONCACAF nations in rating them with other countries in the world.
The difference is in 1994 the United States also believed it had no real chance and it showed in their performance against Brazil. Today the US and their fans believe they are in the top 16 soccer nations and the players have proved it by excelling in a number of the top leagues in the world. Furthermore, Costa Rica has thirteen 1st Division players from the top 20 leagues in the world, including one of the top keepers and players at the U21 level. To their credit, both countries have played that way as well, not surprising themselves but their opponents.
Now the reality is all CONCACAF teams could be eliminated in a week and it would be against the odds if a CONCACAF nation makes it to the Semi-Finals or even to the finals. That being said, it is time to stand up for our region and give it the respect it deserves. Instead of being manipulated into thinking Adam Lallana or Nani are these great footballing talents, allow your bias' to lean more local, to players in a league and region that you can see live. And to even go one step further and ask why can't we have the same genuine belief about Canada?
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