Originally posted by: blakeatwork
Originally posted by: CPA
Originally posted by: astrosfan90
Originally posted by: CPA
You have got to be kidding me. Just 4 years ago they made the quarterfinals, and they lost on small lapse on D. They had 3 great scoring opportunities that just missed, and now they won't win 1 game?!? Please. They have arguably the best goalie in the world. Several of their players play in Europe. And all play in an organized club somewhere, unlike 10 years ago.
You guys are dilusional to think that they will get steamrolled. They will beat Ghana, count on it, they will beat Italy, count on it, they probably won't beat the Czechs, but it won't matter.
As for the odds, like any sport the odds fluctuate with the current betting. People, especially Europeans and S Americans underestimate the US in soccer because it's not seen as a big fan-based sport like it is over there. So they bet on the perceived favorites. Hell, Mexico's odds are better than ours but the US has beat them several times over the years and with Mexico's best team. I won't deny Brazil is the team to beat, but the US will hold it's own.
Eh, I think putting the US over Italy is...ambitious. Italy steamrolled Germany not too long ago, and Germany walked all over the US in an exhibition. Granted, the US was fielding a bench team, but regardless, they got
spanked.
So, this argument is good for other countries, but not the US?
Oh lighten up, fer chrissakes! If the US manages to make it through their group, then it can considered mission accomplished, with victories in the knockout phase icing on the cake.
The US is NOT a football powerhouse, though they do have a fine crop of young players, mixed with veterans that have seen international action. The fact of the matter, is that US and Mexico get to qualify through a federation with a dearth of substantial competition, which results in inflated FIFA points earned, and thus, an inflated ranking, based on FIFA's archaic system.
I'm interested in seeing how Adu plays in his first World Cup experience, as he can be an exciting player at times, though I think he'd be better off playing in the Primera or Bundesliga.