Fans of the United States’ football team have been getting their excuses in early after a Copa America draw.
Jurgen Klinsmann’s team are special invitees for the centenary of the competition, but that hasn’t stopped soccer truthers coming out in force after a tough draw landed the hosts with group stage matches against Colombia, Costa Rica and Paraguay.
There’s a surprising sense of entitlement from a country playing only its second Copa of the century, though fans may be upset to have avoided relative minnows Jamaica, Haiti and Panama.
I love how this Copa America draw is just an extended in-joke on the fact that international football in the Western Hemisphere is rigged.
— Kolby Kuwitzky (@kolbykuwitzky) February 22, 2016
https://twitter.com/ayeitsmikey/status/701584665686179841
Copa America is already rigged and the tournament hasn't started yet
— Colo (@colin_nunley) February 22, 2016
USA must have not donated enough money to copa America #rigged
— Enrique (@RickeyRossManzo) February 22, 2016
This Copa America draw is rigged
— Danny Stevens (@D_Steves1) February 22, 2016
For balance, we should point out that this was not a view shared by all fans of the US Men’s National Team, as they are best known.
Plenty took a more realistic approach to things, as ought to be the case if the team is to be considered a genuine challenger for honours.
I can’t imagine a scenario where this draw determines the #USMNT’s fate at Copa America. Whether they can improve a lot in four months will.
— Ryan Rosenblatt (@RyanRosenblatt) February 22, 2016
https://twitter.com/NutmegRadio/status/701587890812407809
Difficult draw for #USMNT. No easing into the tournament.
— Kyle McCarthy (@kylejmccarthy) February 22, 2016
And it could have been worse, given their last two World Cup exits.
@NutmegRadio I'm just glad we didn't somehow inexplicably draw Ghana.
— Mike McGrew (@Zavcurrent) February 22, 2016
