OSG Roundtable: Is Soccer On The Radar Screen In The U.S. After Confed Cup Final

Nelson:

Had the team actually hung on in South Africa, it would have been the worst thing for the US Soccer Federation this side of an Escobar own-goal...((Soccer reference- look it up...))

Had they won, there would have been the thought here in the country that would have set up an almost-unfair expectation level for the World Cup in 2010- THAT THEY STILL HAVE TO QUALIFY FOR... "

Hey, they beat Spain. Hey, they beat Brazil. They can take the whole thing..."

Not so fast, my friend...

No they can't...

Admittedly, this was the right time of the year for them to make an impact and get into the public consciousness. Any other time of the year, it would have been football and everything else. The country would have shrugged its collective shoulders and gone, "Meh..."

Coach Bob Bradley's career with the Fed was on life support early in the Confed Cup tourney, but then they found some offense and some aggressive behavior and surprised a few people...

His removal of Jozy Altidore in the final for a late sub still brings questions. It's all about momentum and what you can do with it once you get it...Qualify first, get into the World Cup, and understand that the rest of the world doesn't intimidate you anymore...

It's all about momentum and what you can do with it once you get it...Qualify first, get into the World Cup, and understand that the rest of the world doesn't intimidate you anymore...

Then, you do your damage...

On the radar...? Sure...

On the map...? Getting there, but not really there yet...

Wilkie:

Team USA’s win over Spain was great and Brazil having to come from behind to beat the U.S. in the Confederations Cup final was outstanding. Does Team USA’s success mean I have an interest in soccer? No, not really.

If I had a dollar for each time I’ve heard soccer will be the sport of the (insert decade here) I could retire comfortably. It hasn’t worked for the past 50 years and even with Team USA’s success lately it still won’t work. The best soccer players in the world from Pele to Beckham have tried to sell the sport in the U.S. by playing and attempting to legitimize the professional leagues in the states only to find very little takers.

Yes soccer moms across the country are loading up the mini-vans to take their kids to their soccer games. Millions of kids are participating in the sport and for that reason the pool for skilled soccer players for the national team has become very deep.

Even with those factors soccer will always be a niche sport. Oh sure when the World Cup comes along I might catch a few games. It’s usually the only live sport on TV at Mid-day during the week however, if I see an MLS or WPS game on TV I’m going to continue to channel surf.

There are those of you who a very passionate about soccer and God bless them. Enjoy the “beautiful” game but please don’t get on me if I don’t share your passion.

Photo Courtesy: Jamie McDonald/Getty Images