The United States suffered a tough 2-1 loss to Belgium to end its World Cup run, but there is something more important that did not end at the blow of the final whistle—patriotism. The game of soccer has not ever really been the focused sport of the U.S., but the World Cup brings something special every four years, and this time, it appears to have had a bigger impact than ever before.
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Most businesses put a hold on their schedules when 4 p.m. rolled around on Tuesday, July 1. Some workers left their offices while others sneakily watched the game on their computer screens. Regardless of how they tuned in, all of America was cheering in one way or another, it seemed.
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The U.S. goalkeeper, Tim Howard, had a record-breaking game, saving 16 shots and almost single-handedly keeping the Americans in the game. Sports Business Daily reported that in an interview with NBC’s “Today,” Howard commented on number of people who watched, saying, “Not only the television numbers, which are obvious, but in the parks and the bars and everywhere in between. It was incredible to see. We were motivated by that and inspired by that. We saw all the videos and the highlights of our fans and it was special to be a part of that.”
The defeat was difficult to watch, but many remain optimistic of what’s to come. Howard told ABC’s “Good Morning America” that next to Brazil, the U.S. sold the most World Cup tickets, which demonstrates the unwavering support.
“It’s exciting to see what the future holds, because this is still a very young and exciting team with a lot to offer,” Howard said, according to Sports Business Daily.
The World Cup has transformed the U.S., and it does not seem to be a temporary phase, either. It looks like the U.S. will be shining even brighter in 2018.
via REUTERS/RUBEN SPRICH
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