The Big Match
I was 10 years old when I got to see Ipswich play on TV for the first time. It was in the FA Cup Final. At that time, I figured the whole world stopped so everyone could watch the match and it was an even bigger deal cuz my team was actually playing this time.
In 1990, the USA earned a spot in the World Cup for the first time in my life. It was my first World Cup watched while I was living in the US. All matches were broadcast in Spanish….a handful were broadcast on a cable channel and matches were interrupted every 15 minutes for commercial breaks.
1996 saw the start of MLS. I could not wait for the opening matches. Though the first match was played up in San Jose, the match at the Rose Bowl between LA Galaxy & the MetroStars was the one I couldn’t wait for. 30,000 people were expected to attend. Close to 70,000 attended. It was a mess. Traffic was a mess. People were still buying tickets and entering the stadium in the second half. Too bad the match was pretty poor but LA won. Unfortunately, most of those who showed up that night didn’t become regulars at the Rose Bowl.
The 2002 World Cup saw the USA’s best performance in over 70 years (ok, ever) when they backed into the second round but managed to drill Mexico in the second round. This lead to a Quarterfinal match-up with Germany which I couldn’t contain myself in anticipation. We were in the World Cup Quarterfinal against Germany! I have no idea what I would have done had we not been cheated and got through to the Semis.
Now, it wasn’t just soccer. There were several Fresno State football games I could put into the huge match category. My Chargers made it to the Super Bowl in 1994 but failed to show up. Then there was having a ticket to Game 5 of the 1998 World Series…too bad I wasn’t able to use it.
None of the games compare to my anticipation for Saturday’s USA – England game. I grew up an England fan because the US didn’t have a national team of note. However, I’m American. I’ve watched the sport take off in this country the last 20 years and it’s been incredible to watch. What’s even better is how much disrespect so many in England give US Soccer. They look down on the national team, MLS, the fans in an almost (ok, it is) a condescending manner. What would be better than to knock the smirk off their collective faces?
I’ve had an awesome time the last few weeks talking smack with my English friends. What is best is that just about all of them are certain there is no chance England will come away with anything less than 3 points. It’s that kinda confidence which leads to awesome bubble bursts.
Regardless of the result, it’s going to be awesome. Something I’ve waited over half my life to see. The US playing England in a meaningful match that the result could go either way is something I’ve waited to see for a long time.
For both sides should progress based on their results against the other two sides in their group so whatever happens on Saturday won’t end things for either side. But for 90 minutes on Saturday, I’ll be in heaven watching a match I’ve anticipated for 6 months. I can’t wait.
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