Overall, i believe the US is getting closer and closer. They are still a step lower than the elite teams, but the grits, the defense, the conditioning, theyve showed they can compete. I think the biggest difference is really the technical aspect of the game. Comparing to the elites, the passes wasnt as crisp, the shots were just a little off, the control of the ball, the one touch shots, no control but just shooting. Thats the difference. US had so many opportunities to score and they just couldnt capitalize it, and in the world cup, if u cant capitalize, u wont advance.
With that said, US has been playing very well. They are competing, they are demanding respect, and the more people playing, the better well be. I think one thing that US doesnt have, is to play more street ball. The ball control, the one touch shot, those dont come from playing organized ball. They come from the backyard, playing with whatever is round. Challenging your neighborg or little brother, playing a 3 vs. 3, keep away, whatever you want.
I think the more we get away from playing organized ball and the more we play street ball, well get better and better and the continuation of conditioning, grits and hustle, well get further and further.
