For just the third time in the history of United States soccer, the men’s senior national team will play a match in Africa.

No big deal?  No, big deal.

The November 17th friendly in Johannesburg against 2010 World Cup host South Africa (known as the Bafana Bafana) does more than just return a lightly-traveled US Men’s team to the African continent.  This match ensures that the federation’s focus is clear; a dismal World Cup performance, like that in Germany, will not be tolerated the next time around.

For two-plus decades now, World Cup hosts have exceeded expectations when the tournament finally reaches their home country. 

Whether it was France’s surprise win in 1998, Korea’s out-of-the-blue third place finish in 2002, or even the United States’ near-ousting of eventual champion Brazil in 1994, the host nation normally has a leg up. 

Continue reading about the United States mens soccer team’s first trip to South Africa.