this is not 1998

in 1998, the US lost its first game to Germany by a lot of goals, then lost its next two games, including to Iran, in a humiliating showing that left them in last place. then in 2002 the US raised expectations to astronomical levels by shockingly making it to the quarterfinals after upsetting Portugal and beating Mexico. so now we´re back to earth with a first-round exit.

but that doesn´t mean we´ve regressed to 1998. our team had a clunker against the Czechs, but raised their game considerably after that. we were the better team against the heavily favored Italians, and we were very unlucky against Ghana, to whom we lost 2-1 today in an outstanding match. Ghana played a terrific game and so did the US. Ghana´s first goal came after they seemed to foul our last defender, leading to a breakaway with only Keller to beat. their second goal was a PK after Onyewu was a bit reckless in the penalty box. it´s too bad, but the US team should be proud of their effort and we should be proud of them and of US soccer. our team showed that americans can play this game and do so with style and heart. Clint Dempsey´s goal off of Damarcus Beasley´s laser of a cross was absolutely gorgeous, and we in the stands (along with you watching at home) were treated to a few moments of delirious happiness. as a special bonus, the referee for this match did a terrific job, in sharp contrast to the officiating of the US-Italy match.

so now we, along with the US team, are going home (but on different flights, i suspect). but with our heads held high.

we have had a spectacular adventure, traveling through nine cities in three countries. we have learned how to ask for water with no gas in three languages. we have shaken hands and high fived with people from all over the world. we have been really sweaty. we have found tasty refuge at out-of-the-way asian restaurants all over europe. and we're ready to go home.

we fly out of frankfurt tomorrow afternoon, arriving home at 10:30 EST, which will feel like 4:30am to our confused bodies. so we'll talk with you when we wake up.

thanks for reading!

love,
betsy and randy