Giuseppe Rossi's Italo-American Dream

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While the draw did no favors for the United States national team, there is a chance an American will be lifting the World Cup next summer in Brazil. And that might make many U.S. fans angry. While Jürgen Klinsmann will be trying to guide his side out of Group G, Giuseppe Rossi will be doing the same in Group D, but with Italy.
Giuseppe Rossi is a controversial figure in American soccer circles. His decision to play for the nation of his heritage rather than the one of his birth angered many American fans. Others are so adamant that it does not bother them, it is obvious it does. Some take pride in the fact that an American is making his mark at the top level. Others dismiss his American connection, as though any pre-teen who went to Parma would have turned into a star.
Just as his time with Parma's Allievi and Manchester United's academy developed him into the star he has become, his formative years in North Jersey were also vital. From clubs like Scots and Thistle, to the legendary pickup games on the Courts in Harrison, to the storied high school program at St. Benedict's Prep, soccer is part of the lifeblood of North Jersey. New Jersey hosted the first intercollegiate game in 1869, and the first U.S. international in 1885. Even the great Cosmos did not grab America's attention until they crossed the river to the Meadowlands. Soccer's roots run deep here.
Soccer historian Tom McCabe wrote "Miracle on High Street" detailing the 140-year history of St. Benedict's soccer program and is writing "The Cradle of American Soccer" on North Jersey's love affair with the sport. During one of his many lectures on the subject, McCabe countered the doubters. "When people say that the United States has no soccer history they are just completel...

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...e in South Africa 2010.
A European nation has never won a World Cup in the Americas. Brazil beat Czechoslovakia in Chile 62, and Italy in both Mexico 70 and USA 94. Argentina downed the Dutch when they hosted in 78 and West Germany in Mexico 86. Brazil and Argentina are both among the favorites again in 2014. If Italy is to lift its fifth World Cup trophy, there's a good chance Rossi and the Azzurri will have to beat both of them to do it.
Italy's group is arguably tougher than the US's Group of Death: Uruguay, poised to repeat the Maracanazo of 1950; England, looking to bridge generations and exorcise their ghosts; and Costa Rica, who beat both the U.S. and Mexico in qualifying. It is a long road before July 13, 2014 when the winner lifts the trophy at the Maracana, but if Rossi does lead Italy to glory, American soccer fans can also be proud of the accomplishment.

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