Well, it looks like we don’t have to wait for a new president for one Cuban embargo to be lifted—the one placed on the US Soccer team. Tomorrow’s US-Cuba World Cup qualifying match will be the first time the American team has played on Cuban soil in 61 years, or roughly since those old school Fords and Chevys that clog the Havana roadways were rolling off the assembly lines. But just because the Americans are trying to make their sixth straight World Cup, and Cuba hasn’t made it since 1938 doesn’t mean the US team’s going to take them lightly. And by the reaction of the players and coaches, none of that political stuff matters… for now.

Coach Bob Bradley said he discussed the political situation between the two countries “a little bit” with his players. “I don’t think there’s extra pressure, but we do understand the fact that this game will bring extra attention…”

“We can certainly find results which serve as a warning to never take an opponent lightly,” Bradley said. “Teams tend to rise to the occasion when there is so much is on the line.”

“It’s a rival that motivates us to elevate our play,” [Cuban] forward Leonel Duarte said. “But there’s no political aspect to sports at this level.”

Yeah, that’s saved for the U-20 teams. Get your political ideology in them early and send them out to do your bidding on the field. Gotta think long term.

US soccer team in Cuba for 1st time since 1947 [Sporting News]
Image [LA Times]