Don’t Blame The Americans For Taking The Game Seriously

By Nigel Reed CBC Sports

Americans earned right to rejoice
I think now I have heard it all. A coach criticized for celebrating her team’s success? Not only is it absolute nonsense, it misses the point entirely.

Last time I checked, soccer was a competitive sport. The object of the exercise is to beat your opponent by scoring as many goals as possible in the time permitted. The margin of victory is only relevant in a competition where goal difference or head-to-head comparison is used as a tiebreaker.

Pia Sundhage is employed by U.S. Soccer to get results. Her job as head coach is to prepare, select and lead the U.S. Women’s team to as many wins as she can. She is not a diplomat or a politician and her role has nothing to do with fostering good relations with rival teams.

Full Story