Every four years, after being overhyped, the U.S. men’s soccer team dies an early World Cup death (this year, it didn’t even get in).

I didn't realise it didn't get in this year; although I remember a couple of WCs ago they did really well, I think they beat Ghana and looked really good.

They had a few English Premier League players, including the excellent Everton goalie Tim Howard, and even had one playing in Italy's Serie A.

I thought to myself, this is it, within 8 years they will be good enough to beat teams in the top 10 in the world. However it never materialised and I remember an American said to me when I asked, that the States wouldn't be interested unless they won the whole thing.

I thought that was incredibly sad, as it meant that they weren't recognised for their truly amazing progress that year. I think if they were it might have inspired others to take up the sport and excel.

As far as the reasons, I think it is down to the 'fame and fortune' thing you mentioned. Plus I also reckon that Americans love sports that stop and start so you can analyse the hell out of them.

Also Americans like kicking ass; and so they can't handle seeing a nation who they would obliterate at any other sport, smash them in a game of football :-)

Cg