US soccer had its watershed moment against Spain regardless of today's outcome

From Goal.com article

They are matches in which people, both those who viewed it and those who played in it, look back on and think, "Nothing was ever the same after that."
The question is whether or not the United States stands on the threshold of such a watershed moment.

Andrea Canales the author of the goal.com piece asks whether a US victory over Brazil today would be a watershed moment for US Soccer? I think that moment has passed.Regardless of the outcome of today's' game US Soccer continues its onward growth and development.The US has beaten a number one on the world's stage in a competition of significance.The proof of life already exists. That win against Spain was the watershed moment for US football.

The US team at Italia90 was Generation 1. A team tasked with not getting embarrassed on the world stage. In many ways that first team had a successful world cup loosing 5-1 to Czechoslovakia but salvaging their pride against Italy loosing only 1-0 in Rome to a semi final team.That performance probably inspired a generation of Americans that we see today. John Harkes group then improved in USA 94 surviving group play to eventually loose out to Brazil in Palo Alto. Without question Generation 1 of the US met its mandate. It didn't embarrass the country and achieved some success. Proof of life existed.

Landon Donovan's generation can be deemed generation 2. The generation standing on the shoulders of the 1990-94 teams. This group is fitted with the assignment of never being embarrassed internationally but also of stealing a few big wins that will inspire another generation to continue to excel at the sport while positioning themselves for elite success at World cups 2014-2018.Mission Accomplished USA 2 Spain 0.

How many kids watching the Spain USA game who are now 11 years old understand that it is their generation that will bring home the World cup.They will do so standing on the shoulders of Generations 1 & 2.They will do so because the Generation 1 competed and suffered.The second generation learned how to win big games setting the table for Generation 3 who will win it all. As Cesar said to his men as he crossed the Rubicon.

"The die has been cast" USA 2 Spain 0

US Soccer has arrived Internationally. Like Cesar's army US Soccer now understands it will only a matter of time before ultimate success is achieved.