football. no, not that football.

that football.

the kind that the u.s. still can't play.

rather, the u.s. still can't compete.

how could i be so disappointed?

partly because i was heavily pulling for two teams.

in part because i was probably expecting too much.

was i expecting too much?

probably.

hmmm....let's investigate.

question: was i expecting a run to the semi-finals (or beyond???)?

answer: yes. very much yes.

clearly, that was the problem.

the group stage and all of the u.s. clutch goals to put us on top of our group filled with me too much hope.

u.s. vs ghana. korea vs. uruguay.

i was more expecting a u.s. run to the semis, after beating ghana then korea.

that would have sucked, but certainly not as much as it sucks right now.

but korea could have gone, had they beaten uruguay then topped ghana.

the korea run would have been tougher, considering the number of goals allowed by uruguay in the tourney so far (that grand total is 1, the goal allowed to korea in the round of 16 match).

half of me is just hoping japan doesn't go any farther; paraguay is favored to win the match.

a japan defeat would satisfy my korean half.

half of me has so much to say about the u.s. team.

but it's all already been said after the usmnt heard this on the other end of the receiver: "good morning, america. this is fifa calling from the world cup for the wakeup call you requested. have a pleasant 4 years. we hope to see you in brasil!"

i could talk about the problems that need fixing.

i could talk about the wholes that need filling.

i could.

but i won't (but you can ask me about it later ^^).

but all i will say is this:

to the USMNT, i salute you.

as an american, i feel honored that the team did what they did.

sure, some things could have been better.

but, oh well. they weren't.

and certainly, things could have been worse.

but mostly, i'm proud to have those fine gentlemen on that pitch wear those colors.

maybe i'm too naive or optimistic or too forgiving.

maybe this is just a mechanism to help me get over it.

but as much as those guys know they blew it in certain ways out there, they're also incredibly honored to represent the u.s.a. on the biggest of stages.

and because of that, i am proud.

have a pleasant four years.

see you in brasil!

jo