The first in a series of posts I'll make regarding the United States National Soccer team and the upcoming FiFA World Cup this suimmer in South Africa.
The FIFA World Cup Draw 2010: Friday Noon ET. United States will face one team from each of these pots :
Pot 1: South Africa (hosts), Argentina, Brazil, England, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Spain Pot 3: Algeria, Cameroon, Chile, Côte d’Ivoire, Ghana, Nigeria, Paraguay, Uruguay Pot 4: Denmark, France, Greece, Portugal, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Switzerland
The United States is in Pot 2 along with Australia, Honduras, Japan, Korea DPR, Korea Republic, Mexico, and New Zealand Can anybody else see the SHAFT coming again this year? The United States' inclusion in the group of death is almost guaranteed nowadays.
In '06 our "Giant" team was Italy, who we actually managed to get a point from even after being reduced to 9 men because of a referee who we will not name. Our 2nd euro team (Pot 4) was the Czech Republic, who at the time were the best non-seeded European team in the field of 32. And our perceieved "Weak African" team was Ghana, who at the time were playing as the best team in Africa.
So, with that said, here's what it could boil down to
Best Case Draw: South Africa, Algeria, France, United States South Africa looked good at the Confederations Cup, but they certainly aren't as scary as a potential rematch with, say, Spain. Algeria barely qualified for the World Cup after beating Egypt in a home-and-away series playoff, it's clear that they are the weakest of the Pot 3 teams. France struggled through qualifying, and is only in the tournament because of a handball. They're playing awful right now, and I think our counterattacking style matches up well with them. Not to mention, Gooch has had is way with Henry everytime they've met (EPL). This is my best case scenario draw.
Worst Case Draw: Brazil, Cote D'Ivoire (Ivory Coast), and Serbia, United States Should I really explain it? Brazil=best team in the world, no questions. The Ivory coast are absoltuely terrifying with Drogba running all over everybody he plays against for both club and country. And Serbia, while not really noted for their international soccer, and a scary team as well. Our lack of attacking creativity will NOT be able to get by a solid defense anchored by arguably the best defender in the world, Nemanja Vidic, who is flanked by Chelsea first-choice LB Branislav Ivanovic, and Sevilla RB Dragutinovic. Combine that bacline with attacking coming from CSKA's Kracic, Inter's Stankovic, and ManU's Tosic, and we're in trouble.
My Prediction: England, Chile, Serbia, United States It's been a while since we've played England in a meaningful match, and I just have a feeling we'll draw them from Pot A. Chile is a team that nobody seems to be able to peg as one identity or another. Hopefully we draw them and they come to South Africa, and forget they're there to play soccer...but in all likelihood they'll show up in their best form in recent history, and surprise the group. Serbia, because we ALWAYS get screwed with the draw.
I think we'll make it out of this group. 2-0 loss to England, 2-1 win over Chile, and 1-1 tie with Serbia, but we'll get through on goal differential. I'll update another note when the draw comes out on Friday.
Let me know what you think.
(Note: this was written via "notes" on facebook 2 days prior to the draft, then reposted here)
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