CONCACAF...
I am not sure why this phenomenon is taking place, the closest I can attribute it is to a combination of two factors:
1. the lack of an outstanding Brazilian, Uruguayan or Argentinean player
2. The fact that all over the world there has been an incredible growing interest for soccer. From the "soccer moms" in the USA, to these African teams that are lacking nothing and on the contrary they are getting better every year.
There are some very good athletes to begin with and from there, the skill begins to grow in them as generations go by. Same applies to some os the Asian teams.
In the particular case of CONCACAF, the tremendous progress by the USA team and the relentless threat by Costa Rica (at the beginning only to Mexico, but now to everyone in CONCACAF), has forced the Mexican team to improve, or else never step on a world Cup again (as it happened a couple of times with the USA, Honduras and Costa Rica qualifying instead).
I believe that the Mexican coach has made a world of difference in this team since they almost got kicked out during qualification until he was hired.
But... too early to tell perhaps, Italy will be a true test, because even with a not so hot Italian team, they are always a tough team to play against.
USA imo has great opportunity to go far as well, they are superb athletes and they have perfected the skill, I believe a lot will depend on their psychological form and preparation not to be intimidated by [former] giants, (more like ghosts now -g).
A great tournament so far. |
