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2013 Gold Cup

Belize Federation President Wants to "Humiliate" U.S.

The United States men's soccer team opens the 2013 Gold Cup tournament on July 9 against the tiny Central American nation Belize. But the taunting has already begun.
BY Blake Thomsen Posted
June 24, 2013
8:38 PM
MOST PEOPLE WHO KNOW a thing or two about the CONCACAF region expect the United States to comfortably handle Belize in its opening game of the 2013 Gold Cup.

Ruperto Vicente, president of the Belize football federation, is not most people.

Vicente has issued a proclamation to his players and his country in advance of the tiny nation’s first ever Gold Cup match: “I call on our national team to not only beat the United States but to humiliate the United States. It is your responsibility. It is your task.”

Despite overwhelming odds in favor of the U.S., Vicente is demanding an upset of historic proportions.

Never mind that the only teams Belize has ever defeated in World Cup qualifying are St. Kitts & Nevis, Montserrat, Grenada, and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines. No, history is not important. Not to Vicente anyway, who added: “We will not only participate. That was in the past. We are now entering tournaments to win.”

His decree is admirable for its ambition, if not for its likelihood. Regardless, we doubt Jurgen Klinsmann will be quaking in his chic, smart-casual Nike sneakers anytime soon.

Are you worried? Think that Klinsmann should be? Share your thoughts about this taunt below.

Blake Thomsen is an ASN contributor and a freelance writer. Follow him on Twitter.

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