The U.S. advanced from the Group of Death.  When no one thought the Americans could go through, they believed, fought for each other, and made it.  In Klinsmann’s words, they took the chance nobody thought they had.  Was the style of play attractive and scintillating?  Not always, but it didn’t matter – because each individual player put forth an amazing effort.

Whether you are a youth player or an international, effort is everything. Kids learn through sport that even if you’re not having your best day, you can always work hard.  You can always do your best to help your teammates and achieve your objectives.  Maybe the first touch is off that day, maybe passes fail to hit the target; it doesn’t matter – you can still help your team.  Graham Zusi’s corners – other than the wonderful set piece to John Brooks for the winning goal against Ghana – have not been great.  But he’s still playing well defensively.

Michael Bradley has not provided the number of penetrating passes that fans were hoping for.  But you know what?  Through the first 3 games of the group stage - Michael Bradley covered more ground than any other player at the World Cup.  He’s doing more than his fair share.

A singular player’s output is related to a myriad of factors – the play of his teammates, the play of his opponents, his own play, but most of all – the needs of his team in a given moment.  Both Graham Zusi and Michael Bradley have undertaken different roles for the sake of the team based on specific game situations.  This defense of Michael Bradley’s game is the best I’ve seen.

Heading into the World Cup, Jermaine Jones was much maligned for his propensity for fouling and yellow cards.  The reality is that – as a professional who wants to secure a victory for his team – he recognizes the need to cover for his teammates and accept a card when it helps his team.  During the group stage, his attacking play has been a revelation.

In short, even if they’re not having their best day, they’re still doing what they can to help the team.  Whether that means running into space, working back to help defensively, or anything else – they’re putting forth the effort to help their teammates.

This is something that kids can learn through playing sports.  Obviously we want each individual player to reach their potential as athletes, but the life lessons inherent in team sports are even more important.  In the workplace, seldom do people work in complete isolation.  Understanding the need to complete assignments in a school or work environment can begin on the playing field.  Instruction in youth sport is not merely about training technique and the application of skill; it also involves the personal development of each athlete.  A team environment offers wonderful opportunities to encourage such positive traits in individual players.