Why can't the U.S. soccer team get some respect?

Question

In my posts about the U.S.-Mexico game I made some comments about the country of Mexico itself which I regret. I apologize for them.

But people have said that the Mexican players didn't shake hands because they felt disrespected... that's all the American team wants, too!
You see, the truth is, the American soccer program isn't bad at all... certainly nowhere near the top, like Italy/Germany/Brazil/England/Argentina, etc... but they're not BAD! The U.S. team is probably in the middle of the pack in terms of talent. Yet most soccer fans outside America try to paint this picture of the American team being THE WORST in the world! American players just want respect, just as the Mexican players did.

2 points soccer fans outside of America must consider:

1.) The American soccer program HAS gotten better over time, especially recently.

2.) With such a large talent pool (300 million people here) America will get better and better, and in 10 or so years will have a VERY good team!

Answer 1

They are not respected yet. To gain respect in a sport you have to beat quality teams multiple times. Even after their tie with italy (italy scored both goals), italy said it did not play it's best game. That right there is a sign that they do not respect the Americans.

We have made strong moves in soccer. Part of my belief of our inability to move forward is the way we coach and play at this level. The talent is there, but the coaching has been just poor.

Our last world cup 70% of the roster were 33-36 year old players. Leaving off key players that made no sense. All the hopes riding on a small sometimes good player? We have such a strong talent pool. We have players that are young, but we need to play them.

Did we actually think we could have placed in the 2006 cup? Why not bring along your top young players and get them experience so in 4 years they can be better.

look at brazil, probably the best country the last 20 years. 16-18 year olds play. There is too much of a power struggle in American soccer. Someone is itching to put us on the map.

Well we are just a spec, we have to win and win somemore. Mexico is not the answer. Yes, we can beat them, but who else have we beaten?

When America comes to play a good country that country expects to win. Until they show that they can win consitantly we will be at the bottom of the barrel, no matter what our ranking.

Answer 2

I think the US gets so much heat and disrespect only because everyone around the world thinks Americans don't give about the game of soccer. Obviously they know that some do, because we've got a league, teams, and players, but all they care to think about is all those who hate the sport. I think that's the biggest problem. They think that since we're not a major soccer nation, that we automatically are not worthy to play, watch, or love the sport. In addition, a lot of people absolutely hate the fact that we call it soccer, and that we think that our football came first and blah blah blah. They think that we're ignorant to that fact, and in return, they pretty much hate on us. I really wish the US would get a little more credit here. We are trying to help the sport grow here and I don't understand why people just can't be supportive about it and just stop looking to all the (so-called) negatives of our country's athletics...Just look to the BRIGHTER side here people! Great things are happening!

Answer 3

A lot of people outside of the US don't take the US soccer seriously because soccer isn't as big in the US as it is in their country.

Soccer in most parts of the world is a religion, a way of life, and a every day passion because it's all they have.

The US has 4 major sports and soccer isn't one of them.

Because soccer isn't big in the US and the sport has no history in the US people tend to consider the US as not being a soccer threat.

However they are over looking that the US has great athletes and once these great athletes develop a true flair and feel for the game they will be a formidable adversary.

The are obviously good enough to beat Mexico time after time again. Some progress is being made.

Answer 4

Thanks for regretting stuff you said earlier. I appreciate that you take it back, even if some of it is true.

Yea, they did feel in a way, disrespected. They were probably really angry at themselves for loosing when they had a good first half. I'd say that they wasted all of their energy on the first half when they really should've taken it calm like the U.S. team had.

And no, the U.S. team isn't bad at all. They're pretty good and let's face it-people from almost all over the contenent can come and play for the U.S. team(meaning more talents) while as the Mexican team can only let Mexicans play for their team.(although I don't see why...)

I guess that they should try to let that rilvary get past them a little and both just play friendly-like they intended to do first off. maybe next time they'll do a better job?

Answer 5

Look, the American soccer team is doing awesome. I Love the mexico team, but only because I am a Mexican, and it hurts to loose to your biggest rival. Mexico was under a LOT of pressure to win this game. They have a new head coach, Hugo Sanchez and quite franlky, the guy doesnt belong as the head coach. I dont think the fact that they didnt shake hands was due to the lack of respect, they were just pissed. AND also this, when Rafa Marques was going to pass the ball to Pavel Pardo, the REFEREE interfered and basically handed the ball to Donovan, I mean, cmon, how would you feel?

As far as American soccer, I think that the United States soccer program is going to be the biggest in the word by 2010.

Answer 6

How can you respect the US team with Punks like Donovan. He disrespected Spanish media and also taunted Carlos Salcido (who can kick his *** any minute, Plays for PSV and is being looked at as a future signing by Chelsea, or Arsenal) when the ref deflected the ball to the US team. How bout Eddi Robinson bumping Rafa Marquez (Barcelona Nuff said) and stepping up to him. And these US fans say the Mexican team doesn't have class. Would you shake the hand of someone that taunted you? Do the Eagles shake hands with the Cowboys after a game?? Do the Heat and the Lakers shake hands?? Enough with the comments about Mexicans not shaking the hands the US team. Would you shake Terrel Owens hand after he ran to the middle of the field and celebrated on the Dallas Boys star as an eagle??

300Million talent pool????
Most of the whites are too old in america, blacks are too occupied in basket ball and football?? And don't forget how many americans actually play soccer?? US a world power by 2010?? don't make me laugh.

Beat Brazil and Argentina like Mexico and earn your respect.
Mexico overall has a great record vs most south american and european teams.

Answer 7

It took an own goal t be able to get a tie against Italy. You need to respect others before you get respect. After all, like it was said before, respect is earned not given. The US is getting better, but so is the rest of the world. I don't think they will ever get to the level of teams like England or Brazil.

Answer 8

junkmail wrote:
How can you respect the US team with Punks like Donovan. He disrespected Spanish media and also taunted Carlos Salcido (who can kick his *** any minute, Plays for PSV and is being looked at as a future signing by Chelsea, or Arsenal) when the ref deflected the ball to the US team.
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The Spanish media have always gone out of their way to make Donovan look like the bad guy. After the Guadalajara fiasco in which the media completely distorted everything in order to demonize LD, he vowed not to talk to them again.
Also, Donovan never taunted Salcido. He was waving at Johnson to catch up to him to give him an option to pass. It worked as Sanchez had to take EJ into account and this gave LD space to dribble around him and score.
Also, the ref didn't deflect the ball to Donovan. The ball deflected BACK to Clark who then passed the ball to Donovan. Watch the highlights (you can find them on youtube).
And perhaps next time you can temper your anger and bias long enough so your posts are actually accurate. Sure sounds like you're looking for ways to hate Donovan.
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junkmail dude:
And these US fans say the Mexican team doesn't have class. Would you shake the hand of someone that taunted you? Do the Eagles shake hands with the Cowboys after a game?? Do the Heat and the Lakers shake hands?? Enough with the comments about Mexicans not shaking the hands the US team. Would you shake Terrel Owens hand after he ran to the middle of the field and celebrated on the Dallas Boys star as an eagle??
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In football (soccer) it's a tradition to shake hands after a match. U.S. players have shaken hands with el Tri players after losing to them in Azteca, but on U.S. soil as well as in Korea, the Mexican players have refused to shake hands. That's poor sportsmanship, end of story. Doesn't matter if they're angry, if they refuse to acknowledge their opponent, that's an insult.
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junkmail:
300Million talent pool????
Most of the whites are too old in america, blacks are too occupied in basket ball and football?? And don't forget how many americans actually play soccer?? US a world power by 2010?? don't make me laugh.

Beat Brazil and Argentina like Mexico and earn your respect.
Mexico overall has a great record vs most south american and european teams.
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U.S. beat Brazil in the 1997 Gold Cup, a match in which Keller stopped Romario on a number of occasions.
U.S. beat Argentina 3-0 in the 1995 Gold Cup, oh, and made it to the semis after beating Mexico in the quarterfinals.
Do some research before you post.
Oh, and grow up.

Answer 9

I'll say it again. You have to respect others before you can get respect. Landon Donovan disrespecting the Spanish media at the end of the game only leads to more disrespect from the Spanish media. Someone please teach that kid some manners? He's on a National Stage and he runs like a sissy.

Answer 10

It was just a friendly match... I'm glad you are saying positive things about USA soccer, I do believe it's getting better. L. Donovan is so sweet, I love the way he handles himself, very kind and humble.