Across our very vast and diverse sporting landscape on this side of the Atlantic, there is one undeniable figure, regardless of the sport, that we all long to find and identify: the hero, mastering his craft in that one seminal moment in which the world at large seemingly disappears into darkness and every ray of the sun appears to shine upon him and only him.
There were many here stateside who doubted quite vociferously the likelihood of the emergence of such a hero in the months that passed follow December's World Cup draw. Indeed, the apparent consensus was that there would be no real bravery on display, with the United States likely departing Brazil with their tails tucked between their legs, having entered like a lion only to exit like a lamb.
Mercifully for those of us who have lived and died while wearing our USA shirts over the years, the naysayers have been proven wrong with great aplomb, and we've been fortunate enough to add a few more memories to go along with those etched in 1994, 2002 and 2010.
While the United States' chances of winning the World Cup, even after running the unforgiving gauntlet of Group G, would have to be labelled as slim by even the most fervent of American fans, we can all be forgiven for daring to believe and continuing to hold onto the intoxication of possibilities. For in the vein of our adoration of sporting heroes, this World Cup has already given us quite a few to pay homage to, whether John Brooks and his unlikely late winner (complete with pure emotion in celebration) against Ghana, Jermaine Jones and his wonder strike against Portugal to go along with his bulldog displays in midfield, Clint Dempsey and his drive to quite literally will his way through the punches, or Omar Gonzalez and his breathtaking defending against Germany.
This World Cup's heroes thus far have only furthered our perceptions of this team embodying everything that is good about the American mentality that we praise so unapologetically, and in doing so, whatever happens from here, most of us will look back upon 2014 quite fondly. Deservedly so.
With Belgium beckoning, the world probably assumes that our ride in Brazil is nearing its last station. Maybe they're right; maybe they're not. Regardless, understand why we believe that, even if we probably won't win the World Cup, this isn't where we get off yet. I think we all just get the feeling that this team has a couple more memories to offer us before they bid Brazil adieu.
No comments:
Post a Comment