That is a rather inglorious achievement considering the nation's status as a world power.

Even so, it is hard to place blame on the U.S. team. The majority of the countries that reach the World Cup eat, drink, sleep and breathe soccer.

Most of the major American sports are virtually non-existent in these countries, with all the emphasis given to learning and training in soccer. Children grow up playing soccer, rather than basketball, hockey, volleyball, and baseball.

All of these countries have soccer leagues full of superstar players that continually compete against each other, while the U.S. has Major League Soccer.

Let's face it. The Kansas City Wizards and the New England Revolution would have a hard time defeating Real Madrid of Spain or Manchester United of England.

There is also the fact that players on World Cup teams have to be citizens of their country, so the option of using money to lure superstar players is eliminated, while any player who changes his citizenship to play for another country would most probably find his health in serious jeopardy.

However, the future is looking bright for the American squad.