The American tendency is to view time as an ascent, a linear progression headed towards the boundless skies. There is a natural tendency, thus, to view the present as novel and unique. As such, many US fans are shocked to see the US struggle against Honduras, a country in political turmoil and with a fraction of our GDP. What exactly is going on?
We could view the current crop of Honduran talent as self inflicted wounds. Amado Guevara and the ageless Carlos Pavon both have served time in MLS. In the EPL, we could cry about globalization and Wigan giving a springboard to young Catracho talent.
Yes, it hurts that Honduras has produced a world class holding midfielder, Wilson Palacios, capable of competing at the highest level of the sport. How good is Palacios? The true sign of talent is how many jobs you can land for your family. And Wilsons brother Johnny is firmly in Wigan´s sight.
But a glimpse at the past shows Honduran roots of soccer revelry, roots which prove stronger than the still languishing US soccer seeds.
Honduras qualfied for the 1982 World Cup in Spain, eight years before the US shot was heard around the world. In that squad, you can see the signs of intergenerational futbolery. Carlos Costly, the current gem of the Catracho squad, watched his papy play for the Honduras white and blue. Another member of that sqaud, Armando Betancourt, was the son of a professional soccer player.
Should we expect more of Landon Donovans son? Or Bradley the third?
And a look at the fandom makes Uncle Sam blush even redder. When the US flirtation with the NASL was in its infancy, Honduras fought a war with El Salvador for its favorite sport.
Granted, there were other factors. Controversial land policies and illegal immigration put relations on edge, but the 1969 world cup qualifiers provided the spark, the gentle nudge. Honduras won the first game one nil, but one week later El Salvador crushed the Catrachos 3 nothing. Honduras fans rioted in the streets of San Salvador, humilliated to have lost to the country which supplied cheap labor. The shooting only last a few days, but the state of war endured a decade.
Did the US defeat at Azteca spark a conflict? Despite similar, simmering tensions over immigration, no. Not even close. Although it did produce a Bill Simmons article, which is a start. I am not advocating a full blown war, but at least a peasant uprising would be a pleasant surprise.
However, a promising development is the presence of US players on the roster who can turn to papy for advice. Michael can hissyfit to Bob during Thanksgiving dinner. This is a step in the right direction, but, but, but….
The current rise of the Catrachos should surprise no one. And a draw would be a victory.
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