Whoever started the speculation that Germany and the USA were going to conspire for a draw in the World Cup final qualifying rounds so that both teams could enter the elite group of 16 that will compete for the 2014 World Cup in Brazil, stirred up a hornet’s nest.
Neither club needed more than a draw to advance to the final groupings, and there are some rather curious connections between the Soccer teams in the USA and Germany. To start with, Jurgen Klinsmann has both played and coached for the German National Team, and his former second in command in now the head coach of team Germany.
With that in mind, the internet suddenly became flooded with speculation that the two teams were going to play for a draw. Many even encouraged the push as the most logical way for the game to come out well for both sides. But is that cool?
The idea that two teams would actually conspire to play for a tie is upsetting to the sports world. Sports fans watch the games for the competition, not to see a foregone conclusion. But, if you think that the sports fans would be upset, consider the bookies, and the bettors.
Any push in Soccer action always complicates the wagering as parlays and teasers are tossed up and scrambled a little more with every tie. But a calculated one, please. Not that it hasn’t been done before, especially in European Soccer circles.
Of course the principals involved were quick to respond with heart felt denials. The president of US Soccer, Suni Gulati, along with Klinsmann himself came out very directly to disclaim the notion. Other team members reiterated the sentiment, some with obvious anger and frustration that they would be placed in the position of having to deny such an accusation at all.
Many American fans didn’t know how much they cared about the sport of Soccer until Cristiano Ronaldo tapped in that last minute goal to tie the match and keep Uruguay’s hopes alive in the World Cup. It was a real heartbreaker for true American Soccer fans and an eye opener to those still on the fence about the sport.
Even US Soccer defender Matt Besler chimed in with, “It’s not going to happen. It’s not going through the player’s minds at all. We don’t think of scenarios, we think about ourselves. We have our heads down and we’re trying to win games.”
Even if they tied, which did not happened, no one will ever be admitting it in light of the severe penalties that would come down from FIFA if they did so. Congratulations Germany for their 0-1 victory over the USA team.
