THE OLYMPIC DREAM INTERPRETED

Written by: Gabe

When the USA men’s team woke up after game three, I imagine they all went to the team psychologist to have their Olympic dreams analyzed. There’s a lot they could learn from that 270-minute nightmare…

1. Killing opponents > Killing the clock

Twice, TWICE we voluntarily accepted bookings for wasting time. I understand the strategy, but this is a sport, not a study hall. Respected teams win by outplaying their opponent. They welcome the chance to prove their skill on the field. Killing the clock makes any team look scared, intimidated, and pathetic. And what does that extra 5 seconds get you besides a booking? A seat next to the coach in game three and an even smaller shovel to dig out of your draw.

2. Marvell Wynne = Frankie Hejduk – Random Chaos

“Who the hell is Marvell Wynne?” I said when I first saw the roster for game one. Turns out, he’s fast, appropriately aggressive, and offense-minded. He’s got all the features of Hejduk, minus a few harebrained silver-platter breakaway donations per game. Impressive!

3. Some of these guys still play like kids.

You can’t dribble around everybody. You can’t win a free kick by throwing a fit. And you can’t act like a teenager if you get paid millions. Even if you are one. Have an orange slice, Freddy Adu.

4. We regard exceptional play the same way primitive cultures regarded sunrise

I get the impression that when we are playing really well, everyone on the field is thinking, “Holy shit, this is amazing! I hope it stays this way.” When The Netherlands is getting its ass kicked, remember: it’s YOUR FOOT—not divine magic—in their crack. And it’s up to you—not God—to keep it there til the whistle.

5. These kids have no respect, which is awesome.

Jozy Altidore, Robbie Rogers, Marvell Wynne, Freddy Adu… That’s a handful of dudes who play the game balls-out international style. Whatever country you’re from, they’ll take you on one-on-one, they’ll play the flashy through ball with a half second window, and they’ll regard you the same way you regard them: as nobody special.

Tags: Frankie Hejduk, Freddy Adu, Jozy Altidore, Marvell Wynne, Olympics, Robbie Rogers, US Men's National Team