We’re only over a week into soccer’s World Cup teams invading North America, and there are already a couple of observations that stand out in the early going. First and foremost is Team USA’s fast 2-0 start in Group D with wins over Paraguay (4-1, June 12, in Los Angeles) and Australia (2-0, June 19, in Seattle). Their domination in both games has ardent or even casual soccer fans in this country dreaming of what might be, while we also celebrate the nation’s 250th birthday.
Another moment that won’t be forgotten any time soon in these parts is the Scots’ takeover of Boston and neighboring suburbs. They are here obviously to watch their national team of Scotland play for the Cup in first round games at Boston (Gillette) Stadium in Foxboro.
Scotland is in Group C, and is currently 1-1. They defeated Haiti in their opener, 1-0 on June 13, only to lose to Morocco by the exact same close score six days later on June 19. But beyond the games, their fans just might have reeducated the Massachusetts fan on how fun sports can be without the wins and losses.
It’s evident that the sport appears to be growing around here with still another several weeks of World Cup action to go. Youth and high school teams are sure to be the real winners, but with that said Marblehead High School boys soccer coach Elmer Magana and his team are enjoying every minute of these games.
“The boys have gotten together to watch the matches, but I live in (Gloucester), so it’s hard to host them (up here),” Magana said. “But I know the boys have different teams that they are backing, so after the matches we are discussing, analyzing and dissecting the pluses and negatives (of them).”
Magana said that “there are lessons that we can take from other countries in order to form, develop and cultivate the next futbol stars,” while adding, “unlike the USA, many countries finance youth futbol academies, so money is not an issue when finding the next (Lionel) Messi. In the USA, we have many talented players at the youth level, but many can’t afford paying the high fees in order to enter an academy and get noticed.”
But Magana is thrilled that Team USA is off to a great start. “By qualifying to the next round, the success of our US team will energize youth soccer around the country, which it’s good for high school soccer, because that’s our farm system,” he said.
As far as the tournament itself is concerned, the Marblehead coach has naturally been captivated by the competitiveness of the games. “Overall, the matches have been extremely competitive, skillful, physical and a joy to watch,” he said. “If no one takes down defending champ Argentina and France, both teams should meet in the final for a rematch (from four years ago). I predict a 2-1 (final win for) Argentina over France, while Team USA should (at least) make it to the quarterfinals.”
Magana would love to attend a game in person, but there’s a matter of personal economics involved in the process. “Unfortunately, the tickets are extremely expensive, and I would have to surrender my teacher salary of two weeks in order to (just) afford a ticket, parking and food,” the Magicians coach explained.
Team USA lost to Turkey in its final Group D game on Thursday, June 25, 3-2, minus several regulars. The knockout rounds will then follow, starting with the Round of 32. It’s then the Sweet 16, before the quarterfinals (Elite 8). The World Cup championship game is scheduled to be played on Sunday, July 19, at New York / New Jersey (MetLife) Stadium.
