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Why is it that the US teams never sing the National Anthem? Every other country in the world sings their anthem except us. I really think it is a reflection of our society in that these guys are representing themselves instead of their country.

Was it '98 or '02 when we were humiliated by Iran? The Iranians were singing their athem at the top of their lungs and the US players were standing through their song dumbfounded. We have young people losing their lives to give these guys the opportunity to play their game and they don't give our country any more respect than this. They're disgusting.

Mark,
I think you are being harsh on these players. It is a reflection of the US society as a whole. How often do you see American fans singing the Star Spangled banner at sports events?

Often. But fortunately I sit in seats full of educators at USC football games. I also work at a school affiliated with the National Guard.

"A reflection of society as a whole", you say. They are representing our country, for goodness sake. They are in a position to lead our youth. I don't think I'm being too harsh. Go take a ride through Ft. Jackson some day and thank your lucky stars you have some patriots left in this country fighting to give you the right to be so passive. We take far too much for granted.

Again, I think you are singling out just one group. Watch the other US professional teams during the pregame national anthem. Watch the Olympics. It is certainly not just the soccer team.

I hold soccer players to a much higher standard. Not that I don't find it disgusting among all who gain the right to represent our country. In fact, I find it disheartening that you even choose to defend their actions. Or lack of.

Mark Ready, just because you don't sing the national anthem doesn't mean you dont have respect, pride, and gratitude for your country and those defending it. These players are proud to represent the colors and put forth their best effort. Like coach P said, you're being a litle too harsh. Many players from other countries dont sing their national anthem, but that doesnt mean they dont have pride in their country. All week these players were in a military base and were expressing how thankful and proud they are of their soldiers. Maybe these players feel the pride of hearing the National Anthem being played and admiring the fans singing it in unison.

Ok Mark, let me just say that I was watching the national anthem and I was impressed with the US team's focus on what they had to do on the field. Why get all emotional with the idea that you are there to sing the national anthem. Last time I checked, athletes were not required to sing...they are there to play. I was usually focused on what I had to do rather than the national anthem before games that I played in. Who cares if they didn't sing it? Does it really matter that much? Do you believe in hyper-nationalism? Just let it go. And before you go ripping me on my support of the US, I am a veteran of the US Navy where I served 6 years.

What about the fact that they're representing us when they're out on the field getting bloodied up and what not?!

If they were there for themselves..they wouldn't be there.. they'd be training for their club seasons..waiting for that check to roll in. People dream about playing in the World Cup..beacuse IT'S THE WORLD CUP! You think Brian McBride and Eddie Johnson are there for the paycheck and the fame?!

Get off your soapbox..

How dare YOU be so self-righteous..

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.

Hey...maj17neb... is that you Johnny Depp?

those statistics are unbelievable. since first grade, i have heard the national anthem, pledge, and moment of silence EVERY SINGLE MORNING. It basically has been brainwashed into me.

I noticed that no one sang the national anthem as well before we got smacked around by the Czechs. I remember when I played over in France in the Paris Cup back when I was 15. They have an opening ceremony where each team has their national anthem played. None of the kids on my team held their hands to their hearts/nor did they sing (much like the MNT). When we got back to our seats we got roasted by our parents and I mean baaaaaaaad. My father was ****ed. I think that it's a reflection of the way our society has grown into this ultra-liberal "im okay, you're okay, we're all okay. If you don't want to do it that's okay too!" attitude. It's full of people who take their freedoms to the point of ad-nauseum where they use the "freedom of speech MAN" phrase at the most asenine moments like singing the song of your country. Go smoke the trees with the cast of Bishop-England hippie is all I say.

Spoiled....we take living in a free country for granted

As a former Marine, I still believe you should respect the national anthem and the flag by standing straight, facing the flag and removing your hat during the anthem. Singing should be optional. If I sang, it would be disrespectful since I can't carry a tune. And yes, I have lectured my kids to do the same.

I think singing should be optional but I think that everyone should at least have their hand over their heart rather than just acknowledging the anthem like it was the opposing country's.