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I can't help but pity US sports fans. They don’t go through sufficient national athletic disappointment. OK, they had a refreshing dose of sorrow this past Sunday evening losing the Ryder Cup, yet that proved an infrequent event for them. It's uncommon because they’re so dominant in every major team game that truly matter to them, particularly since their biggest team sports – certainly NFL and baseball – do not see participation by other nations. Or maybe not to the extent that a different country is likely to come close to overpowering them in any significant “world cup” event. Hoops, admittedly, is globally practiced worldwide but essentially the same applies – the American male team have been gold medalists on 17 occasions from twenty tournaments; for the women it is nine times in twelve. Hockey is somewhat distinct. In this sport, US teams haven’t had it all their own way, and with Canada possess a genuine local rival. This may be an explanation Trump suggests about incorporating them.

Therefore, what's the reason for pity? For a start, how lessened must be the thrill of victory if you succeed all the time? As a bloke who joins me for games frequently states after a miserable defeat: absent heartbreak there can be no happiness.

Failing needs rehearsal, this explains I can almost forgive the rather shameful conduct of some of the Americans during the recent event

Defeat requires experience, this explains I can almost forgive the rather shameful conduct of a segment of the American fans on the course in recent days. They are unaccustomed to losing. Thus, they turn to rudeness. And worse, even after their national side had shown great skill and almost achieved an incredible comeback, fans were exiting in droves, marching away with widespread displeasure. It appeared there was no any sticking around to cheer the victorious team and, crucially, honor their fellow Americans who , ultimately, did themselves great credit in challenging Europe intensely. Marching off to the departure points, it seemed they were reflecting a famous coach: “Point out a gracious loser,” the athletic leader once remarked, “and you have found someone who loses.” OK, understood. But he was talking about the athletes rather than their supporters.

Americans rarely have the opportunity to come together behind their national team like people elsewhere do. It’s such a valuable thing for national communities to experience jointly, moments to experience togetherness and inclusion being uncommon. And in the really big moments losing is just as valuable as winning, regarding shared participation. The day following a championship loss for England I passed a woman and her son on their way to school. They were of Indian heritage. The lad had on an England shirt. I gave a sorrowful look toward the boy, and his mother’s look told me there had been a tough night for everyone at home. Me too. It was a collective ordeal. The three of us and numerous fellow fans. Admittedly, it wasn't the ultimate goal for all 60-odd million, but it wasn’t nothing either. Scotland, Welsh supporters, and Northern Irish followers have all had their moments also, when everyone’s been pulling in the same direction and sharing the same feelings. For Croatians – the other country I am invested in – it is commonly stated in my experience that there is constant disagreement with each other continuously on all matters, except when the national football team walks on to the pitch in an important game.

I have witnessed English defeats two continental championship deciders, and Croatia lose in a World Cup final. On all three occasions I went home bloody miserable, yet I experienced unparalleled unity with my fellow country folk. Honestly, the Americans don’t know what they’re missing.