Quote:
Originally Posted by
embowafa 
A) Yes, this is a big deal. Quite possibly one of the biggest upsets in sports history.
Um, no.
I understand this is a big deal, but let's put this in a little context. We're talking about a not insignificant, but ultimately rather minor, tournament. And while I think the difference between the skill level of the U.S. and Spain is quite large, the U.S. is, despite all the faults of the FIFA rankings, the 14th ranked team in the world who has had some moderate international success in the past. It's not like Nicaragua just beat Spain.
And for those saying this was the biggest win in U.S. history, I'd say it doesn't crack the top 5 in terms of important wins. My top five:
1. U.S. over England in 1950 World Cup. That was a legitimate shocking upset for all time. We were literally playing dudes off the street.
2. U.S. over Columbia in 1994 World Cup. Pele had picked Columbia as the team to beat in the World Cup that year.
3. U.S. over Mexico in 2002 World Cup. Put is in the quarterfinals. Enough said.
4. U.S. over Portugal in 2002 World Cup. So unbelievably improbable. Portugal was stocked with talent.
5. U.S. over Trinidad and Tobago in 1990 World Cup qualifying. Hadn't made the World Cup in a nearly 50 years. We were playing college kids. Just an amazing victory for the modern era of soccer in the country.
I'd put the Spain win at sixth; although, I would be willing to listen to arguments that the 1-0 win over Brazil in the 1998 Gold Cup final was bigger than the win yesterday. Brazil was the number one team in the world at the time, and it was in the finals of a tournament.
Great win for the U.S., and if we go on to win the tournament all the more power to them. Yes, people should celebrate, but keep in mind that these upsets occur pretty regularly, and with true minnows doing the upsetting. Our lack of standing and consistency on the world stage is understandable, but still highly embarassing given our resources.
