About three years and one week ago, the US pulled what was viewed as a big upset at a major competition, and there was absolute euphoria on the boards. Now here we are in similar circumstances, and everybody is basically arguing about Messi v. Adu, or Marvell Wynne's technical ability. Someone on the player ratings thread just gave a team that beat a pre-tourney favorite an average grade of C-. To which, I have to ask, is anybody here happy? And if not, what's the point of being a fan? I used to wonder what it would be like around here if we ever won the World Cup. Now I'm afraid I may know.
Re: Is anybody here happy? I just don't think that anyone who has followed this team is surprised by this win.
Re: Is anybody here happy? well, are we going to approach the tournament like Coppin St./Alabama A&M/Winthrop or North Carolina/Duke/Kentucky??? i choose the latter. we won't celebrate until we cut down the nets ... but to answer your question ... yes, i'm happy.
Re: Is anybody here happy? I think that's somewhat true. I've followed the team somewhat, and the win didn't surprise me that much. That being said, I still think it's a big win in the program I would expect a litt;le more optimism, like not grinding old axes about technical training. Or the persistent ragging on hunter freeman and failing to notice Benny Feilhaber.who played an excellent game. It's frustrating.
Re: Is anybody here happy? We're happy, but we expect the team to at least make the quarterfinals. And also, only one team can win, so this is more about our guys developing and playing well, so they can improve the full national team.
Re: Is anybody here happy? Dude I'm DEFINITELY happy. I do think there are a lot of people here who b!tch and complain about every single little minisucle mistake that our national teams make far too much. Our team played a solid game. What made it even better was that when Argentina came out strong in the 2nd half, we matched their intensity. That's what impressed me the most. I do agree that we shouldn't settle for less, but I also think that some of you guys here need to take some serious chill pills. If you aren't going to root on the USMNT take your sorry ass to the Europe or Asia boards...we REALLY don't need you. U.S. fans only, please. Let's go red white and blue.
Re: Is anybody here happy? First of all, we want the best youngsters getting int'l exp. for the senior world cup. once winning it all (thre) we'll throw a party that will always be remembered. till then, well..... we'll be like this ....
Re: Is anybody here happy? I'm thrilled. Euro scouts must be salivating on picking up Wynne and Feilhaber for free. We beat a nation which has won the Youth Championship three out of the last five times. Adu is Magic Johnson on the soccer field. If you put a starting 11 from this group and the talented 2003 team: ---------------------Johnson----------------------- Mapp------------------Adu-------------------Convey ------------------Gaven---Dempsey----------------- Ward---------Spector--------Marshall------Wynne ----------------------Cronin----------------------
Re: Is anybody here happy? While Adu amused with his little flicks and backheals the biggest enjoyment for me came from watching Wynne, Feilhaber, and Barrett. Those 3 players all look like they will have a future in the game. The entire competition is a lot of fun for fans. The problem is that some people don't understand that you can think someone played poor and someone else played average, but that you enjoyed the game and thought the team played well. Looking forward to watching more of this youth world cup.
Re: Is anybody here happy? I'm ecstatic that we beat the team picked by many "in the know" to win the tournament. I hope to be even happier as we advance through the various stages and go on to win the final!
Re: Is anybody here happy? I was absolutely ecstatic about the win yesterday. And you know what -- I wasn't surprised at all. I thought beforehand that we would beat Argentina. I think we have a legitimate shot at winning the whole thing, and I thought the same thing last time. This U-20 is even better than the last one.
Re: Is anybody here happy? My happiness is qualified. I've never been a conventional fan in the sense of gushing about everything the USMNT or youth teams do without some perspective. I was delighted about our win over Argentina. On the other hand, when I see the Argentinas and Brazils of the world I have to say that as much as we've made some real progress, we should not settle for average or decent players. My standards are high, especially when dealing with young players, and I don't want them settling for just being OK. But isn't life like that--you applaud your accomplishments but continue to push yourself to become better.
Re: Is anybody here happy? We beat the tournament favorite, a team that has won the world youth championship five times. And did it in style. This was no fluke--as the Argentine papers themselves are reporting this morning--but a much deserved win by a team that conducted itself with confidence and skill. It's a good victory. But, as other people here have pointed out, like the players themselves, we're coming to expect as much of our teams and are now (like the Dutch, Portuguese, and even the English) anxious to see our team win some silverware. Bring back that trophy guys! Sí se puede!
Re: Is anybody here happy? I am very happy with the result. I expected these guys to perform well in the tournament, but ya have to agree that the Argentine's had a hell of a team on paper, so the win was special indeed. I hope we can continue this run by getting wins against Germany & Egypt. It is surely possible but will require very good and solid performances. Most importantly, I'm happy for the kids because of the higher caliber competetion to assess their current level of play against and to see where they have to improve. Also, you gotta believe that there are scouts from teams all over the world here fishing around for new talent which gives our kids a chance to showcase their talents in the "shop window". I'll be watching on Tuesday afternoon!
Re: Is anybody here happy? I think it's huge. The US team shouldn't be intimidated by anyone in the field after beating Argentina in the first match.
Re: Is anybody here happy? It was a reality check. And the reality is that the youth of the US can play ball!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!111 The Ralstons, Zavagnins, Hejduks, Wolffs, and Noonans of the National team will soon dissapear, God willing.
Re: Is anybody here happy? I am not merely happy with the win as much as seeing the fact that Our kids are so much better than in years past. It is nice to see a team capable of putting pressure on great teams instead of bunker and hope for a goal. Although we were bunkered a bit at the end, but that is to be expected. Hopefully we can show Germany a thing or too.
Re: Is anybody here happy? We are all happy, the team was loads of fun to watch, and the future keeps getting brighter. Just one point I would like to make, during the SA qualifying tournament it was reported the Brazil and Colombia where the class of the SA group this year. Don’t want to bust anyone bubble but if we are for real we will probably have to meet those guys along the way. In the mean time bring on the Germans!
Re: Is anybody here happy? As others have said. This wasn't a major upset. Portugal was one of the biggest upsets in recent World Cup finals history. Our beating Argentina yesterday was - for those of us who follow youth internationals - not a shock or surprise.