I must take issue though with your criticism of Klinsmann's interview about the World Cup - he is clearly making that statement (although it's only half the quote) to emphasize his main point, which is to say that success for the US team cannnot be measured in whether they win the World Cup or not but in more realistic and achievable goals, i.e., a steady progression. In all the examples you gave it was a single win or lose scenario.

I would definitely agree with you if he had said; "we cannot win a game in this World Cup", but success for the US must be measured in qualifying from the group stages, not winning the event which is an unrealistic goal. UnAmerican maybe, but that's exactly what Klinsmann is getting at...

Tim Wrightman, a former All-American UCLA football player, tells a story about how, as a rookie lineman in the National Football League, he was up against the legendary pass rusher Lawrence Taylor. Taylor was not only physically powerful and uncommonly quick, but a master at verbal intimidation.

Looking Tim in the eye, [Taylor] said, "Sonny, get ready. I'm going left and there's nothing you can do about it."

Wrightman coolly responded, "Sir, is that your left or mine?"

The question froze Taylor long enough to allow Wrightman to throw a perfect block on him.

It's amazing what we can accomplish if we refuse to be afraid. Fear -- whether it's of pain, failure or rejection--- is a toxic emotion that creates monsters in our mind that consume self-confidence and intimidate us from doing our best or sometimes even trying at all.

Make a difference today.

Love Clint

 

   The same night that he sent this message, the Pirates loved Clint Hurdle back. They defeated Yu Darvish (one of the best pitchers in baseball), 1-0, for their 82nd win, then hugged their manager for always hugging them. No one is sure whether his email had freed their minds or whether the players even read it. "I think it's 50-50," a team employee said.