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I have some sympathy for US sports fans. They don’t go through sufficient countrywide athletic despair. Alright, they had an invigorating shot of misery this past Sunday evening losing the prestigious golf event, yet that proved a rare thing for them. It's uncommon since they’re so dominant in every major team game they really care about, particularly as their biggest team sports – undoubtedly American football and baseball – are not practiced by anyone else. Or maybe not in such a way that an overseas team is ever going to nearly defeating them in any meaningful “world cup” competition. Hoops, in all honesty, is widely played around the world but fundamentally comparable circumstances prevail – Team USA men have been top podium finishers on 17 occasions in twenty attempts; in the women's division it’s nine times in twelve. Ice hockey is a bit unique. In this sport, US teams have faced stiff competition, and with Canada have a true regional adversary. This may be one reason Trump hints about incorporating them.

So, what's the reason for pity? To begin with, how diminished could be the thrill of victory if you’re winning all the time? As a bloke I attend matches with frequently states post a disappointing result: absent heartbreak there can be no happiness.

Losing takes practice, that's the reason I somewhat understand the rather shameful conduct of certain US supporters over the weekend

Failing needs rehearsal, which is why I nearly excuse the rather shameful conduct of a segment of the American fans at the venue over the weekend. They lack the experience. Thus, they turn to rudeness. And worse, although their team had shown great skill and nearly pulled off a remarkable recovery, fans were exiting in droves, marching away in a massive collective sulk. There didn’t seem to be any remaining to applaud the victorious team and, significantly, praise their countrymen who , ultimately, earned respect in running Europe so close. Walking away towards the Long Island Railroad, it was like they were all channelling Vince Lombardi: “Show me a good loser,” the athletic leader notably stated, “and I will point out a failure.” OK, message received. However, he referred to the players instead of their supporters.

US citizens don’t get the chance to gather for their country's squad in the way the rest of us do. This is a precious experience for the people of a nation to experience jointly, moments to sense solidarity and connection occurring infrequently. In crucial instances failure is equally meaningful like success, in the sense of all being in it together. In the aftermath of one England final defeat I passed a woman and her son on their way to school. They were with Indian roots. The young man sported an England shirt. I expressed sympathy to the child, and the mother's expression made clear it was a very difficult evening for their household. I felt the same. We shared that experience. The three of us and countless people. Alright, it wouldn’t have been the ultimate goal for every one of the millions, yet it mattered. Scottish fans, Welsh supporters, and Northern Irish followers have shared such times as well, during which everyone’s been pulling together and feeling united. Regarding Croatia – the second nation I care about – it is commonly stated in my experience that people dispute among themselves always on all matters, until such time as the national football team takes the field during a major tournament.

I’ve now watched England's losses in two continental championship deciders, and Croatia's loss in the ultimate match of a global tournament. On all three occasions I went home quite dejected, yet I have never felt more connected with my fellow country folk. Frankly, the Americans don’t know what they’re missing.