itis strange that their soccer is much more advanced than their level of economic development
212788
they eat and breathe soccer
149352
Qualifying takes over a year and clubs would not want to release players for internatinal games if they had to a international competition more often. Don't forget you have the european championships every 4 years, and the african nations cup and copa america also!
664910
because people think that the usa does not know how to play soccer.   TO THESE PEOPLE I SAY LOOK AT LAST YEAR!!!! we made it so far for our standerds. no one thought we would be able to get out of group stages.\nWE WILL SHOW THOSE DANG EUROPEANS!!!!
607786
No. They have not proven themselves at all. They have either lost or tied every single game. Ghana is much better in my opinion.
217516
I think it is more up to the individual soccer federation to decide what areas they want to improve upon, not FIFA's.  \n\nFor any country that is looking at getting into the top tier, I would start training as many coaches as possible to be very good coaches so that younger players will improve faster as well as provide a scouting network for the national federation.  \nFor a poorer country, financial aspects of running a top tier team has to be considered as well.  Do the benefits of the team outweigh the costs?  If not, maybe that money could be better spent somewhere else.  If it does, how much more can be spent to make the cost benefit ratio even to further maximize the strength of the federation?\nThe age limit for select teams are largely set by FIFA in regards to international competitions.  Internally, it is important to get like aged kids to play together for those future tournaments but to also expose them to better teams (older teams) to further their team skills.
557816
Yes the Us are really that behind in word soccer don't read anything into being ranked fifth in the world no world class players and no tactical knowledge sorry not trying to offend but that team needs a new manager and a new approach to the game
555682
I disagree!  The African teams have shown well even though they have not won.  They are not up to the level of the top 20 teams in the world...but they are fun/exciting to watch.  They create a lot of chances but just don't finish well.  Their backs are suspect.  All in all, though, when they play you can pretty well gaurantee a wide open match!
163344
I think its unavoidable. Usually there's too much hype about young players before they have really proven themselves. This time it's not the case.
237976
they are in the same group as England,Paraguay and Sweden.15 of there 23 man squad play football in Britain at relatively average levels.they shouldnt make it past the group stage but strange things happen.
174190
Short answer is because they are doing well on points. \nObjectively I think it is unrealistic to see the US as the 4th in the world.  However It cannot be argued they are doing well.\nHowever FIFA have a point system.  They accept is is flawed but it would be incredibly difficult and complex to make a system which truly represented the strength of teams.  However it is also imposable to have a person or team able to objectively rank teams.\nSo what can you do?\n\nThe link below takes you to the part of the FIFA site which explains how their point system works.
660247
they don't really get, they're not passionate about it, the european teams have decades and decades of experience, the us is only now statringto get into it, not enough fans, they don't play enough yr around.  most of the european playrers play for different teams, and different countries at the time, so they have more experience, they've been exposed to more, hey have better techniques.....
299908
Well as you know the premier league is highly competitive and it requires every player to give it all they have. It is unfortunate the situation England is. All I can say is the players are not only dedicated to their country, they are also dedicated to the team(s) they play for.
660309
Agreed.  \nBut then look at Ireland... Soccer is a sub sport (Eiercom League) compared to GAA.  Granted the Ireland International squad consists mainly of premiership or Championship Div. players and is decent although didn't qualify Euro 2004 or World Cup 2006.  But Gaelic sports are still No. 1 here.
576522
Yep. look at Togo most of their country lives in poverty and they want more and more money. They even attempted to boycott their soccer game at Germany because of a pay dispute.\n\nSo although there might be sum who do it for the love of the game they are very scarce.
252341
It isnt. All sport clubs want better conditions for theirs\nsportsmen. Thats the reason.
350493
I think it's misrepresented because of its isolation from other continents. Sports are pretty international, but not current science or art really.
223275
Because there are many kids playing in the streets, fields, with no organization or command by adults.\nIn Europe, and even in the US, there are also many kids playing. But they are more worried about having the right equipment, a decent field. Then the coach is telling them how to position, how to kick the ball, how to guard the other player...\nIn Brazil, the poor kids have no equipment, they need to play in the streets with balls that are often made of old socks. This improves skills.\nMore importantly, no adult is telling them what to do, they find out the best way to play by themselves, and that brings innovation to the game.\nThe same happens in Africa and other Latin American countries, but the difference then is that, being Brazil a larger country, there are more kids playing.