On Wednesday morning the goal heard around the world was Landon Donovan of the USA putting in a rebound past the fallen Algerian goalie in the 91st minute of the last round robin game to give the USA a 1-0 win and put them through to the round of 16 in this year's World Cup. It was a stunning moment, because without the goal in extra time, the USA would have been knocked out of the World Cup. With the win, they have unbelievable momentum and the attention of a whole nation.
Soccer in the United States has been gaining traction since 1994 when the World Cup was held on home soil. The US has had mediocre results in the last few tournaments but with a thrilling run in the Confederation Cup last year and now this moment, could soccer have reached the tipping point?
The casual fan will probably always be that, there are too many other sporting options for them to choose, but those who may have been following international soccer, things like the UEFA Champions League or the English Premier League might now find it interesting to follow their international players when they return home to play in the MLS. This will lead to better quality soccer and then a better chance in 2014.
So would a win today be good for soccer in the USA? I say without a doubt. As much as the international soccer world probably loathes the fact that the Americans are getting good at "their" sport, the longer the USA stay in the tournament the more attention it gets in North America. That is good for the growth of soccer not just in the United States, but internationally as well.
With expectations building up on Donovan, Tim Howard and the rest of Coach Bob Bradley's team can they exact revenge on Ghana who ousted them from the World Cup four years ago in the final group stage game? I don't believe they can. Ghana has an attacking squad who has produced a bunch of chances in their group stage games. With a shaky back line, those chances might turn into goals pretty quickly. Also, Ghana was the lone African team to qualify for the knock-out stage, which means the whole continent can unite in one loud vuvuzuela. My prediction Ghana 2 - 1 in an exciting up and down game.
unfortunately, I don't think soccer will ever be "big" here in the states - like you said, there are so many sports to choose from. I do sense a growing excitement from once-apathetic fans though, and perhaps it will gain more popularity if the US goes deep into the tournament.
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