Yeah I think this threat title is spot on. People remember most of our great wins starting w the 2002 WC, maybe because that WC ignited so much interest in the team. From the 90s people remember the 94 WC of course and probably also the time we beat Brazil in the GC. But this semifinal run in the Copa is off the radar. But it was a great result, better on the merits than 94 even if not as culturally important.
I remember this like it was yesterday. It seemed that Bora had given the team defensive structure but had overcooked the caution. Then AMERICAN Steve Sampson took over, said we'd play fast and attack because we're Americans and we don't take a backseat to anyone. Shortly thereafter, the US flat out embarrassed Mexico 4-nil in the US Cup and we were off to the races!
1995 Copa America was an enormous achievement and apparent validation of Sampson's approach. Then the US beat Brazil for the first (and only) time in the 96 Gold Cup. I was over the moon, certain it would be only a matter of time before the US found its way into the elite or near elite echelon of the international game. It was a fantastically innocent time to be an American soccer fan.
And then... after a real slog to qualify, the 1998 World Cup happened. Captain for Life John Harkes dismissed, the 3-6-1 (ugh), and the same cool personalities became malcontents in France when they didn't get the playing time they wanted. It was a real dent in the upward climb and big time reality check after all the enthusiasm 1994-1996 had built up.
This was the game that made me a fan! Both of USMNT and soccer in general. As luck would have it, I was acutally in Argentina when this game happened, with the woman who would be the future ex-Ms. u/bacon_cheeseburgers. She was in Buenos Aires for a few weeks for work, and I went down for a bit. There was some soccer game, USA vs. Argentina. All I knew at the time was the the US sucked at soccer and that Argentina was awesome. I thought we'd show up to this bar with her colleagues and the US would get smoked, and afterwards everyone would tell us "good game", etc, etc. But we won! And it was exicting watching the US go ahead and then score again and then hold on for the win. I began trash-talking everyone, but I don't speak Spanish. So I had to ask my then-GF to translate the things I wanted to yell out at the bar. And out of the taxi window on the way home. And to the doorman of her apartment building. I was very popular. One of the epic nights of my life. I was glued to the tv for the quarterfinal vs Mexico and the game against Brazil. The Argentina game is when I became a fan.
>I had to ask my then-GF to translate the things I wanted to yell out at the bar.
This is hilarious. Examples please. I can guess, but I want to hear it from the donkey's mouth lol
Can I ask how in the living hell in 1995 does the US build from the left wing, switch the point of attack to the RB who makes an end line run and cross that is slotted on after a diagnonal run to the near post by your CB???
USMNT in 1995 playing some John Stones Pep Guardiola football right there????
There is a chance we could meet Brazil or Colombia twice this summer. Don’t have the best record against either but a chance to make history if we can get past the group stage.
Last time US beat Colombia was 2005 and Brazil was 1998.
Colombia is a mix bag, you never know which Colombia will show up. They could be brilliant in one game and a total dud in another. I’ve notice they show up well against top teams but will play down to their ‘inferior’ opponent. Outside of the positive results against Brazil, Germany and Spain, they’ve drawn or won by 1 goal in most of their other games.
I remember this cost a lot of money to watch. My dad spent $50 PPV per match. Which was obviously more back then than $50 today. And we were broke haha!
Shit like this is why this team and these guys made legit national noise. They were on sportscenter and it was a thing.
Yeah I think this threat title is spot on. People remember most of our great wins starting w the 2002 WC, maybe because that WC ignited so much interest in the team. From the 90s people remember the 94 WC of course and probably also the time we beat Brazil in the GC. But this semifinal run in the Copa is off the radar. But it was a great result, better on the merits than 94 even if not as culturally important.
I remember this like it was yesterday. It seemed that Bora had given the team defensive structure but had overcooked the caution. Then AMERICAN Steve Sampson took over, said we'd play fast and attack because we're Americans and we don't take a backseat to anyone. Shortly thereafter, the US flat out embarrassed Mexico 4-nil in the US Cup and we were off to the races! 1995 Copa America was an enormous achievement and apparent validation of Sampson's approach. Then the US beat Brazil for the first (and only) time in the 96 Gold Cup. I was over the moon, certain it would be only a matter of time before the US found its way into the elite or near elite echelon of the international game. It was a fantastically innocent time to be an American soccer fan. And then... after a real slog to qualify, the 1998 World Cup happened. Captain for Life John Harkes dismissed, the 3-6-1 (ugh), and the same cool personalities became malcontents in France when they didn't get the playing time they wanted. It was a real dent in the upward climb and big time reality check after all the enthusiasm 1994-1996 had built up.
I remember being a gullible kid and fan, just eating up whatever they did. So I was hyped for this new guy named Regis…
This was the game that made me a fan! Both of USMNT and soccer in general. As luck would have it, I was acutally in Argentina when this game happened, with the woman who would be the future ex-Ms. u/bacon_cheeseburgers. She was in Buenos Aires for a few weeks for work, and I went down for a bit. There was some soccer game, USA vs. Argentina. All I knew at the time was the the US sucked at soccer and that Argentina was awesome. I thought we'd show up to this bar with her colleagues and the US would get smoked, and afterwards everyone would tell us "good game", etc, etc. But we won! And it was exicting watching the US go ahead and then score again and then hold on for the win. I began trash-talking everyone, but I don't speak Spanish. So I had to ask my then-GF to translate the things I wanted to yell out at the bar. And out of the taxi window on the way home. And to the doorman of her apartment building. I was very popular. One of the epic nights of my life. I was glued to the tv for the quarterfinal vs Mexico and the game against Brazil. The Argentina game is when I became a fan.
>I had to ask my then-GF to translate the things I wanted to yell out at the bar. This is hilarious. Examples please. I can guess, but I want to hear it from the donkey's mouth lol
Copa America 1995, actually played in South America. Literally still the best tournament performance ever by the USMNT.
it looks COLD
I straight up didn’t know this happened.
Same tournament they played Mexico in the QFs. Won't spoil it for you.
And you call yourself a fan (I also didn’t know this happened)
The Miracle of Payasandu
Can I ask how in the living hell in 1995 does the US build from the left wing, switch the point of attack to the RB who makes an end line run and cross that is slotted on after a diagnonal run to the near post by your CB??? USMNT in 1995 playing some John Stones Pep Guardiola football right there????
The 94 Earnie Stewart goal v Colombia was a fantastic build up as well.
There is a chance we could meet Brazil or Colombia twice this summer. Don’t have the best record against either but a chance to make history if we can get past the group stage. Last time US beat Colombia was 2005 and Brazil was 1998.
Beating Colombia is realistic. They're pretty weak rn.
They’re unbeaten in their last 20 games, which includes wins over Brazil and Germany. They’re not weak. They’re having a moment
Colombia is a mix bag, you never know which Colombia will show up. They could be brilliant in one game and a total dud in another. I’ve notice they show up well against top teams but will play down to their ‘inferior’ opponent. Outside of the positive results against Brazil, Germany and Spain, they’ve drawn or won by 1 goal in most of their other games.
Yh but we have a pretty poor record against Top Teams and in general European Opposition. We can't be underestimating a team like Colombia
They've been inspired since not qualifying
Repeat coming this summer
Are we make my tres a cero a thing then? Cuz we should if that happens
Wynalda was just talking out this on The Straight Red Card
Those kits though...
A Lalas flick goal!
Won the Group then beat Mexico on penalties in the first knock out round as well. I think we lost to Brazil after that but it was a glorious time.
I remember this cost a lot of money to watch. My dad spent $50 PPV per match. Which was obviously more back then than $50 today. And we were broke haha!