What I Learned From The US World Cup Loss....

Copyright (c) 2010 Mountain West Foot & Ankle Institute

The ride was amazing, as the US mens team tied an England team (in a come from behind fashion), tied a Slovenia team after going down 2-0 and then in the 91st minute (yes during stoppage time) scored the winning goal over Algeria. They entered the round of 16 without a loss and were poised to make another emotional victory after again coming from behind on a penalty kick to 1-1 tie at the end of regulation. Ghana, however, again struck first and took the lead that would end the emotional ride of the US soccer team with a 2-1 loss. The comeback kid just could come back this time.

For you soccer fans, I appologize for the painful reminder, but there are 3 important things we can all learn from the US team. Whether you play soccer, run, swim, bike, play tennis or even just walk for exercise, these lessons can help you avoid the same let down that is still paining the US team (and probably will be for 4 more years).

1. Proper Preparation -> The final minutes of a soccer game can be won or lost by proper preparation. How is your endurance? Have you prepared appropriately to have the most successful participation in your activity (or sport)? If you take the time necessary to prepare you can avoid injury and perform at your highest level. Proper equipment may be included, including utilizing running shoes for running or the soccer boot (cleat) for soccer. It may also include dynamic stretching instead of static stretching to avoid injury.

2. Learn From Your Mistakes -> A single mistake can win or lose a game or cause a serious injury. The US team let every team take a lead, but was able to make appropriate adjustments to get back in the game. Most of us (and ultimately te US team) can't keep making the same mistakes and recover. What can you do to ensure you are running correctly? Do you need orthotics or evaluation of how you run or walk to minimize injuries from happening again. Are you overtraining or undertraining? Are you eating appropriately? We each can learn from our mistakes and get better at our activity.

3. Prophylaxis -> Also called "preventive measures". If the US hadn't allowed a goal in the first half and the first period of extra time, they would have had a better chance of winning. Likewise, we can take preventive measures to avoid injury and not wait for injury (or loss) to make the changes. Replace running shoes regularly to avoid a stress fracture. Don't wait for an Achilles tendon injury to start stretching appropriately. Preventive measures are a key measure in any sport or exercise activity.

Although I am disappointed the US will not be playing any additional games in the World Cup, I learned from them and can better perform in any sport or activity I participate in.