The only time the USMNT was "competing against the best in the world" was under the watch of Arena. When did the MNT get big? Under Arena. He has the most international wins, longest home shut-out, best World Cup showing since 1930, reaching the quarterfinals at the 2002 World Cup, and all-time best international FIFA Ranking.
Arena didn't suddenly get stupid after Korea, nor would Demerit have changed our results in Germany. Bob's aim should be to reach Bruce's level of success. Very few world cup coaches get the shot at two in a row with the same team. Tank once, you're out. Make it big and you can go out on a float and parade, or hang around and try to beat the odds. Bruce didn't beat 'em, and he deserved better than what he got in the end. What were we before we had him? Anybody want to talk about France?
