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I wouldn't say self-righteous or hyper-patriotic, but certainly oversensitive. As I stated, I work at a school with lots of military and expressions of patriotism. I can tell you where a lot of that 61% comes from as 100% of our kids don't know it coming in.

To compare getting "bloodied up and what not" on a soccer field to what our military does on a daily basis has been discussed on ESPN before (the man-child from UM who compared football to going to war), so I won't revisit that dead horse. This isn't a major issue with me, but I did want the perspective of others. Quite frankly, I'm surprised by the response, but it's made interesting discussion.

I do greatly appreciate those who have served in our military (soccerboy). And do I ever wish that I had been born with the talent to play in the World Cup. Let's just say that I wish that our team showed the same patriotic gusto that many, if not most, of the others show at the singing of our anthem. If singing ruined their focus, it didn't show up on the scoreboard. Anthem or not, I was proud of our team's heart vs Italy.

its just a difference in cultures.. the italians clap during moments of silence.. you dont hear people sayin they are being disrespectful because they are clapping, thats just the way they do it in their culture. it doesnt mean anything that the US players dont sing. although i would like to see them sing, but thats beside the point

Mark,
I don't think dude was comparing getting bloodied on the soccer field with going to war. I think he was simply saying it was a demonstration of their committment to their country and their patriotism.

I'm in a school for "At-Risk" kids and I don't have an answer for a lot of things kids don't learn in school. I learned the song watching the Yankees on TV. "Play Ball!"

I'm Ol' School I guess, in that I long for a patriotic America. I'm not crazy about this "me first" entitlement that seems to have grasped our athletes in all sports. And honestly, it appears less in soccer than most any other. That's why I previously made the statement that I hold soccer players to higher standards.

I made a mistake in insinuating that I felt that this team is selfish in any regard. It's the kid in me that would do anything short of selling my soul to get the opportunity that these guys are getting. The opportunity to represent their country on sport's biggest stage. Would I sing the song? Hell Yeah. But that's me. "Play Ball!"

Not to belabor the point.. just wanted to post this because I'm so proud of the US effort yesterday.

Kasey Keller:
"This was a total team effort," he said. "Those guys bled today for our country and for our team. I can't say enough, I'm just happy to help out once in a while."

Article

Yes, an elbow to the face will indeed make one bleed.

The beauty of freedom is also the irony. In the US we are raised to be free to CHOOSE if and how we show our patriotism. One of the highest forms of patriotism is NOT doing what everyone else does as a rote display of patriotism. I was struck with the focus of our players—most not signing. Exercising your freedom will always show me your pride more than any pledge or song.

Would you call me unpatriotic if I said I learned part of "La Marseillaise" because I'm currently living in France? Or that I support Deutschland because that's where my soccer coaches were from when I was learning the game?

Sorry, nationalism died a while ago. There's only internationalism.

..maybe for an American living in France coached by the Dutch.