I actually feel bad for the US team that nobody back home is really supporting them. Back in 1994, when the World Cup came to the USA, the host nation automatically qualified. The '94 USA team was basically a joke - a handful of amatuers straight out of college. They didn't have a chance.

But these amatuers persevered, and by 2002 team USA was going places. They surprised everyone by making the semi-finals, and their success was the catalyst for the creation of a Soccer Major League (MLS) in America. Those college kids went on to play for some of the best teams all over the world,and helped give other young hopefuls a chance to play their sport on a professional level. Now a new generation of professional football players (as well as some veterans of the early days) are competing in World Cup 2006, and are ranked 5th in the world (which is a little misleading, but it helps my point).

Sure, USA sucked against Czech Republic on Monday, but I can't help feel that these guys deserve a little respect, and a little support. That's why I'm cheering for them.