Landon Donovan urges caution and perseverance in the development of American soccer progress.
Landon Donovan Urges USMNT to Improve and Compete with Elite Teams
Landon Donovan, the all-time leading goalscorer and assists provider for the United States Men's National Team (USMNT), has expressed his belief that the team still has a long way to go to compete with the world's best, following their losses to Colombia and Argentina in the Copa America Centenario tournament in 2016.
Coached by Jürgen Klinsmann, the USMNT managed to secure victories against Costa Rica, Paraguay, and Ecuador during the tournament. However, they were unable to claim the title, finishing in fourth place after a 1-0 loss to Colombia in the final match.
Donovan, who retired from professional football in 2014, noted that the team does not have a player like Lionel Messi, but emphasised the importance of emulating the other players on the field for Argentina. He urged the USMNT to take the next step by beating teams like Colombia or Argentina.
At a Sprint-sponsored event celebrating the Copa America Centenario, Donovan expressed his desire for the USMNT to continue growing by defeating expected opponents. He also acknowledged that achieving the Premier League level will take time, as the team lives in a society where instant gratification is desired.
Despite the team's losses in the tournament, Donovan did not discuss the USMNT's participation or performance in the Copa America Centenario, except in relation to their loss to Argentina. He did, however, mention that the level of interest in the event was higher than it would have been in 2010.
Donovan's comments came after he scored a game-winning goal against Algeria in 2010, propelling the USMNT into the knockout stage of the World Cup in South Africa. Reflecting on that moment, he acknowledged that the goal was more special as time passes.
Donovan did not comment on his status as the USMNT's all-time goals and assists leader or the Sprint-sponsored event he attended. However, his words serve as a reminder of the potential for the USMNT to compete with the world's best, and the journey they must undertake to get there.
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