The master of hope and change remains optimistic about the future of the United States World Cup team, telling ABC News host George Stephanopoulos that the team has come a long way from being a “non-factor.”
“We have advanced from being a non-factor … to being a middle of the pack team,” Obama said while watching the United States vs. Germany game aboard Air Force One Thursday. “We’re not Germany yet, or Italy, or France or Argentina or Brazil– but we’re now in the mix.”
The United States has done surprising well during this World Cup, advancing out of a tough group of four teams.
The United States won its first match vs. Ghana 2 to 1, and then tied its next game versus Portugal 2-2. During its game on Tuesday, the American team lost to Germany 0-1, but still managed to advance to the next round. The U.S. will play Belgium on Tuesday at 4 p.m.
“You get a sense that it’s captured the popular imagination,” Obama said.