Johnny thinks if nothing else something was different this time around back home. Yes, these stories seem to take off when times are bad and people are begging for something to cheer FOR. The magic of the 1980 USA hockey team came at an equal level of national malaise. But people who drive their kids to soccer practice or have for years or did at some time made it a point to watch the USA matches. Maybe soccer didn't fully catch on here but the World Cup did. People enjoyed the pageantry, the great skill, the celebrities (We've got a Mick Jagger and a Kobe Bryant and we'll raise you a Bill Clinton), and the fact it's a great big party. Americans love all these things and suddenly soccer isn't scary anymore. It became cool to be watching soccer. Johnny has always found it odd that people who every four years at the Olympics very much enjoy watching ski jumping, downhill skiing, gymnastics, track and field, bobsledding, figure skating and the Usain Bolt 100 meter invitational so Usian Bolt can kick your ass, but when the World Cup rolls around people make that face, you know the one.
Johnny really thinks THIS time it all clicked. We as a nation will look forward to the next World Cup. Plus it'll be in Brazil so that'll be hella-fun. Now, things had to go very right for this time to click with the public. Game 1 vs England? Are you kidding? Perfect. The legends themselves. The matchup against mighty mighty England had everyone talking long before the game. Then, a wild watercooler moment with Robert Green's howler and tongues were off and wagging. Next up another BIG hole against Slovenia down 2-0. Then came the frantic second half push and the tying goal that sent Americans bonkers. Then it happened again. Americans may not know the strategies or intricacies of soccer but we DO know when we've been screwed over. Oh were we ever screwed over on the disallowed third and winning goal in waiting. This time it was outraged watercooler talk. The buzz was louder than 1000 vuvuzelas. The game against Algeria was, until today, THE highest rated soccer game in US history. You saw the ending, pure Hollywood, the talk around the watercooler had moved full on into the lunchroom. A perfect cosmic design.
All a nation can ask that a team gives it it's full effort and respect the nation they represent. The USA Soccer team did all that and more. Full marks to Ghana, on this day they were the better side by one goal. They carry the hopes of the host continent with them. After all the excitement Africans have showed towards the World Cup and the incredible success they have turned it into we shall not begrudge them that. We're Americans, if you beat us we tip our cap to you and get back to work to make sure it doesn't happen again. No meltdown on our part after this roller coaster ride of a tournament.
If you really want to see a meltdown make sure to watch the England vs Germany match tomorrow morning. England fans (and Johnny has email pan pals from England) are most likely not going to bed tonight, it'd be pointless. They are running around like caffeinated squirrels both talking mess and awaiting the executioner at the same time. Fascinating, that.
Since there are no more British troops in Paulus Hook we shall cheer for the Three Lions tomorrow fighting under St. George's cross. The German team went on an African safari type thing to relieve some stress and see the native country's offerings, and a certain picture caught the eye of the British tabloids.
Time for Jersey City, After Dark
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