The USA got a really good draw. There is no reason we should not advance to the next round with the exception of poor coaching and preparation like the last world cup.
The most interesting thing I see is that for the first time since about 1986 there’s not really a “Group of Death” in this draw — a group with [i]three[/i] very good teams, only two of which can advance.
The favourites in this draw are actually fairly clear:
A: France, Mexico
B: Argentina, Nigeria
C: England, USA
D: Germany, Ghana
E: Netherlands, Cameroun
F: Italy, any
G: Brazil, Portugal
H: Spain, any
Brazil and Spain are by a goodly margin the best sides in the tournament, and for once all of the African sides are at least decent. Any of the first-listed sides has a fair chance of going to the final.
I would not be much surprised to find the USA side competing in the semi-finals. In the Confederations Cup last June the Americans beat Spain convincingly in the semis and gave the Brazilians a tremendous go in the final, at one point leading 2-nil, only to be overtaken 3-2 later in the match by the Brazilians unbelievably deep bench.
I am just back from a short visit to Honduras, where in spite of the political tension between the Honduran and US governments, the people are very grateful to the United States…for bumping them into the World Cup by defeating Costa Rica. Honduras presence in the competition is a source of pride that has captured the national imagination more than the fate of Zelaya or the election of Porfirio Lobo!
England are not that strong a side this year. They may well finish group C second to the USA. If that happens, England will most probably be playing Germany and the USA, Ghana. Otherwise the USA are likely to face Germany, which will be somewhat more touchy.
I generally put World Cup soccer on my list of exciting things to do somewhere between Fabreezing my lounge chair and polishing the silverware.
For those who [i]do[/i] enjoy football, here is a fine video about Group C (in which England and the US are playing).
Barchester
The USA got a really good draw. There is no reason we should not advance to the next round with the exception of poor coaching and preparation like the last world cup.
The most interesting thing I see is that for the first time since about 1986 there’s not really a “Group of Death” in this draw — a group with [i]three[/i] very good teams, only two of which can advance.
The favourites in this draw are actually fairly clear:
A: France, Mexico
B: Argentina, Nigeria
C: England, USA
D: Germany, Ghana
E: Netherlands, Cameroun
F: Italy, any
G: Brazil, Portugal
H: Spain, any
Brazil and Spain are by a goodly margin the best sides in the tournament, and for once all of the African sides are at least decent. Any of the first-listed sides has a fair chance of going to the final.
I would not be much surprised to find the USA side competing in the semi-finals. In the Confederations Cup last June the Americans beat Spain convincingly in the semis and gave the Brazilians a tremendous go in the final, at one point leading 2-nil, only to be overtaken 3-2 later in the match by the Brazilians unbelievably deep bench.
I am just back from a short visit to Honduras, where in spite of the political tension between the Honduran and US governments, the people are very grateful to the United States…for bumping them into the World Cup by defeating Costa Rica. Honduras presence in the competition is a source of pride that has captured the national imagination more than the fate of Zelaya or the election of Porfirio Lobo!
England! Practically speechless with excitement.
England are not that strong a side this year. They may well finish group C second to the USA. If that happens, England will most probably be playing Germany and the USA, Ghana. Otherwise the USA are likely to face Germany, which will be somewhat more touchy.