Better than expected. That will be the only way to describe the inputs of the CONCACAF nations as a collective at the 2014 World Cup. But with the North and Central American confederation being considered as one of the weakest ones in the world, certainly a long way short of the CONMEBOL and UEFA zones, where has the sudden progress come from? Why have expectations been exceeded? While Honduras are playing catch up, Mexico, Costa Rica and the USA have all put in superb performances at Brazil 2014.

Spirit and Team Unity

Stand the CONCACAF nations up against the attendees from UEFA (Europe) and CAF (Africa), and you will notice a major difference. It’s not so much about the quality of play necessarily, it is about the spirit and team unity which the CONCACAF all put forth. Look at the degrees to which Costa Rica have fought for each other on the pitch at the World Cup, the way that Mexico have gelled together in the face of starting their group as third favourites. They have come together with a certain underdog spirit and verve, playing for each other, and that has produced a lot of enthusiasm on the pitch. Not only that, they have pulled easier into the general theme of this year’s World Cup. Namely adventure.

Adventure and Bravery

The action at Brazil has been about attack. Defence has pretty much been the secondary agenda for all teams taking part. The CONCACAF nations (Honduras aside it has to be said) have embraced that. The USA have been brave as heavy underdogs in a tough group alongside Germany and Portugal. They haven’t been afraid to have a go though, whereas you don’t see that level of adventure from the bulk of the UEFA teams. The Europeans have largely tried to play their cagey, technically better, ponderous games, whereas the likes of Mexico, Costa Rica and the USA have gone about things at pace and fearlessness. This is a huge contrast and something which has benefitted the CONCACAF nations. They’re not trying to protect reputations, they are trying to play.

Home Advantage

Things like time zones and continental situation does play into things. It is why no European nation has ever managed to win the World Cup in South America before. There has be consideration taken into account that the CONCACAF nations are more comfortable, not having to deal with major things like travel, time and acclimatization. They are naturally going to be more used to the levels of heat that are being dealt with out in Brazil.

World Growth

Another big aspect, is that there is still a steady growth in CONCACAF nations because of more and more players plying their trades in major European leagues. The USA have representatives from the German Bundesliga and the English Premier League. In total, twelve of their squad play across Europe’s top leagues, while Mexico have eight players from Europe’s top leagues in their current squad. Costa Rica have eleven based European players and even Honduras have players in the English Premier league.

Relativity

What is relativity here? It is the demise to a degree of both the UEFA contenders and the African nations at this World Cup. The quality from the African representatives have been slowly been falling away over the past couple of World Cups, so it has helped the CONCACAF look stronger. Look at the UEFA representatives coming in as well this time. Spain have fallen by the wayside, England, Italy, Portugal, Bosnia, Croatia, all looked like very average sides at best. Even their stronger teams, like the dark horses of Belgium and the Netherlands have been pushed in terms of performance. If this World Cup was in Europe, under more favourable conditions for them (which ties into the timezone category) then it has to be pondered whether or not they would be doing better?