Contrary to general perception, soccer is a big deal in this country. It may not command as much flair and popularity as football, basketball or baseball but it does have large numbers in following and not being in Russia next year will hurt a great deal. The World Cup easily is the world’s greatest sporting event held every four years and despite eight consecutive appearances, this development, a new low must demand answers and a new way of managing the sport.
A lot has been said about what was wrong with the qualifying campaign from a lack of fight from the players to poor selection and management by the now resigned gaffer, Bruce Arena.