I think we're all wallowing in disappointment right now. Not only were the United States in the final of a FIFA tournament, they had shocked the world to get there. The first half didn't help, of course, as the US jumped out to a 2-0 lead after forty-five minutes.

They lifted us up and gave us hope, only to let us crash back down to earth when the final whistle blew and the scoreline read 3-2.

But it was one hell of a ride. They greatest victory in the modern history of the United States as a soccer nation took place in this tournament, and that alone should give us solace.

So we're not quite there yet. S0 we don't have the horses to finish it out, especially against a team as skilled as Brazil. But what we've clearly shown is that the future is bright for American soccer, Confederations Cup in our trophy case or not. A new bar has been set for the national team, and while that means a new set of expectations, it's also a significant step on the road to becoming a player on the world stage. If this is what the United States is after only twenty years of significant commitment to the game, then we're really not doing too badly.

Today is a day to be frustrated, crestfallen, and yes, perhaps even a little angry. It's difficult to celebrate the overall effort immediately after a loss, especially when victory was so tantalizingly close. Maybe that will come tomorrow.

Perspective is better found from a distance. We have none yet.

Brazil 3, United States 2, damn it all to hell.

And now I have to somehow get myself ready to record the new podcast.