U.S. Enters 1st World Cup In 1930

During the economic stress of 1930 and the foreshadow for the struggles that everyone will face the U.S. took a little time to play. I just thought that this was a questionable time to start a world championship.

The First FIFA World Cup 1930

The US stunned Belgium in their opening match, winning 3-0. The first goal was scored by Bart McGhee in the 40th minute off a rebound from the crossbar after a Gonsalves shot. There is some dispute as to whether this was actually the first goal of this first World Cup tournament. FIFA had determined some years later that the first goal was actually scored by Lucien Laurent of France. McGhee followed this with another goal just before halftime when Belgium paused, waiting for an offside whistle, leaving McGhee open in front of the net. Florie got the final goal in the second half. Four days later, the US shut out Paragray 3-0. Their successful run came to a sudden end in the semifinals, when Argentina knocked out the Americans decisively in a 6-1 thrashing. This game was complicated by the US goalkeeper twisting his ankle early in the game, forcing him to play the final 80 minutes practically on one leg, and a serious leg injury suffered by midfielder Tracey, leaving the US with ten men for the second half. The US prevented a shutout with a goal by Brown in the 89th minute. Ultimately, Uruguay beat Argentina 4-2 for the trophy. Despite the disappointing end, this was still a great run for the Americans in their first World Cup, one that would remain unequaled until it's historic performance in 2002. Group 4 saw the USA produce the best results they would see in a World Cup in the century, as they the won the group after a pair of 3-0 wins over Belgium and Paraguay.

Without a doubt the world cup was dwarfed by the events of the 30's. Do you think that a victory would have helped to boost the moral of the country during that time? or where the economic troubles to demoralizing to make a victory meaningful?