The default position in international competitions like this is pride. Win or lose, each player representing his nation should feel honored. Win or lose, all fans should be proud when their country takes the main stage and earns the world’s attention and perhaps its admiration.
But man, it was tough to feel proud of that — of an American no-show that threatens to erase so much of the goodwill that had been building for three-plus weeks during which it felt as if this World Cup might be different.
In the end, this World Cup was not all that different for the United States, which still could not get over the Round of 16 hump even in a tournament in which it held advantages on the field — on its home soil — and off — flexing political muscle to ensure a banned player could play.
The 4-1 loss to Belgium in Seattle on Monday was not just the end of what had been an inspiring and fun ride that briefly captivated a country that scoffs at the sport, it was an embarrassment that taints the journey itself.
