[Rummyfan]

If the US fails to progress past the group stage it could be a step backwards for the sport in the US.

I doubt that would hurt US Soccer at all! It is extremely popular in HS and college, and we are placing many players in the European leagues now too. But no one watches it on TV and if you go to an MLS game here in the States, the crowds are overwhelmingly Hispanic. Soccer will never break in because the Big Three of football-basketball-baseball don't leave any room. Hockey has been virtually frozen out (no pun intended!). Then add on golf and tennis. Soccer will continue to have a small hard-core following here but that's it.

[goldstategop]

Its a testament to American exceptionalism. If American football had never caught on, we'd be a football crazy nation too, just like the English and the Mexicans.

(Denny Crane: "Every one should carry a gun strapped to their waist. We need more - not less guns.")

[1066AD]

Too bad, football/soccer is a zillion times more physically demanding and visually appealing than never-ending basketball. (Flame suit at hand).