[phightin]

I say over-rated here in the US because of all the emphasis put on it as the stand-alone measuring barometer for the state of US soccer. The average person here for the most part sees the world cup as the end all and be all for soccer, and to be honest I don't agree at all. I get much more enjoyment out of watching the european leagues. Internationals, players are thrown together, there's little tactical structure, and the overall flow can be very choppy. US soccer has this grand overall goal of winning a world cup and, while its improved, that's still what our development program's goal is here at the youth level: find talent that can lead the US to a world cup one day. The reality is we should be focusing on one thing and one thing only at the youth level: Developing the best possible talent we can and not worrying so much about the overall national program. Doing well in a world cup, for most countries, especially one like the US can be hit or miss. Our overall measuring barometer should be our ability to produce players capable of performing at the highest levels overseas one day, the winning at the international level will work itself out. Hence, how Spain can thank Barcelona's youth academy for their national team.