The United States is Not Good at Soccer – And That's OK

Let Other Folks Compete Once in a While

The sporting news is aghast that America has not qualified for the World Cup Soccer Championship.

Trinidad and Tobago, whose World Cup dreams ended months ago, stunned the United States, 2-1, on Tuesday night. The result, combined with just-as-shocking outcomes in two simultaneous games in Honduras and Panama on the final day of qualifying for the Concacaf region, ushered in the unthinkable: The American men, mainstays of the World Cup for more than a generation, are out of next summer’s tournament in Russia.

Instead, Panama, which rallied from a one-goal deficit for a 2-1 win over Costa Rica, will join the Ticos and Mexico in Russia. It will be Panama’s first trip to the World Cup.

So no big deal, really no big deal. Soccer is popular in the U. S. but it is not a dominant sport. It is a great sport for young boys and girls because it is relatively safe, does not require expensive equipment, is easy to learn and everybody can play and contribute. But that doesn't mean the nation must dominate the sport, or even be able to compete in international competition.

See other countries matter, and if they are more dedicated to the sport let them enjoy their success. Beside the critical issue in sports in America is not winning, it is whether or not employers can force their employees to stand for the national anthem. Forced patriotism, that's what it's all about now.