Since the start of the 90s the US Men’s National Soccer team has played in ever World Cup. In modern history the most memorable happened in 2002 when the US made it to the quarterfinals.
On Monday, June 16, 2014, the US is set to play Ghana in their opening match. In 2010 Ghana eliminated the US in the first stage of the knockout rounds by a score of 2-1. Much like the Netherlands, the US will be looking for revenge in their world cup opener.
Clint Dempsey and Jozy Altidore are the two strikers that must perform for the US to have a good tournament.
Jurgen Klinsmann, US soccer coach, famously came out to the media and said, "We cannot win this World Cup because we are not at that level yet. For us, we have to play the game of our lives seven times to win the tournament. Realistically, it is not possible." via HoustonChronicle.
In public view this seems bad, but it could have been exactly what the US needed. Every other team in the world cup will be underestimating the US. Now there coach is as well. Put that together with the chance for revenge against Ghana and you will have some really motivated soccer players – this is their chance to prove everyone wrong and make history.
Something Klinsmann wants to see from his team is more fire. He thinks they need to play “nasty” to have a fighting chance according to NYTimes. Known for being an honest team, but also an unsuccessful team, US goalie Tim Howard said, “I would encourage my own players, if they felt contact, to go down.”
This year they will be pulling out all the stops and turn some heads in the process.