10 Reasons This World Cup Was Good For America

I still believe. Even though we fell short in the elimination round,ROGAINE® Brand wants you to know why this summer was a huge step for American soccer, and how confidence and determination is the key to achieving your goals.

1. It made soccer a mainstream sport in America.

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Americans bought the second highest number of tickets (196,838) for the tournament, second only to host nation Brazil.

2. We showed that we could back up our talk while on the pitch and proved that we're not all bark and no bite.

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The infamous 2-2 draw our team wrangled from Portugal became the most-watched soccer game in American history, for good reason too. Portugal was touted as one of the top teams of this tournament, and we kept 'em on their heels the entire time.

3. We've finally started to create our own unique American fan culture.

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We tailgate before games, but also get painted up and sing chant songs in the vein of European and Latin American soccer. It's truly the best of both worlds.

4. We've proven that our domestic league can hold up to the rest of the world.

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Nearly half of the roster in Brazil hails from the MLS. We still have a ways to go, but we've shown that our boys can hang with anyone.

5. Any Americans on the fence about soccer were converted with this tournament.

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This World Cup had a ton of goals, and a ton of action. Just the kind of thing that Americans love.

6. Our national team players have become mainstream superstars.

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Tim Howard achieved viral fame, and Clint Dempsey was featured on several television talk shows. Not too bad for only getting to the round of 16.

7. Our youth will no doubt be inspired after our showing in Brazil this summer.

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It's possible that we'll see America in a World Cup final within our lifetimes.

8. Americans are watching a lot more soccer on television. Our love for the sport continues to grow.

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And it's not just the World Cup either; ratings have increased for MLS viewership, as well as other leagues around the world. We want to keep watching quality soccer!

9. We've proven that we can play creatively.

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Of course, the Americans are known for playing with heart and a fervor only known by true underdogs, but there were moments of absolute brilliance on the pitch this summer. There's no doubt about it: America can dance.

10. We've shown the world what we're made of.

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The world was ready to watch us get mauled in the group stages, but instead, we put our heads down and fought our way through to the elimination round. It's this mentality that captured the hearts of America, and hopefully paves the way for further success down the road.