USA Men's Soccer World Cup Preview

The United States men’s soccer team is heading into one of its most exciting, yet challenging months of all time. US soccer has never been up to the fan caliber that it is in Europe and South America, but every day we are getting closer to those top nations. As the squad heads into Brazil for the 2014 World Cup, hopes are high. The US made is out of the group stages in 2010 and plan on doing the same in Brazil. Despite less than encouraging comments made by Jurgen Klinsman, the US head coach, the whole team, along with the entire country, expects great things.  The problem is, there are three other top nations standing in their way.

The USA squad, captained by world class striker Clint Dempsey, is the strongest to show in many years. They are anchored by Everton keeper Tim Howard, along with Attleboro, MA native Geoff Cameron at the center defensive position.  Michael Bradley, a cheeky midfielder, will cause problems to any defense. Also, Julian Greene, the 18 year old Bayern Munich up comer should provide some creative play. But, the real story is that Landon Donovan, the USA all time goals leader, has been left off the 23-man roster. Many believe that his experience and finishing ability will be just what the US will be missing in Brazil. Hopefully this young squad can push through!

The 8 groups in the World Cup final stage are chosen randomly by the FIFA council. In every major tournament, the best group is pronounced “The Group of Death” by the entire world. Unfortunately, The United States happened to be drawn into this year’s Group of Death. On June 16, the boys will open their tournament against the African nation of Ghana. Although we are actually ranked higher according to FIFA, Ghana is no team to sleep on considering they have knocked us out of both of the past two World Cup Finals. Next, the US is taking on Ballon De Ore winner Cristiano Ronaldo and his Portugal squad. Matching up against the best player in football will not be easy. But, to make it even harder on the stars and stripes, their third game will be against #2 overall Germany. The Germans have been a powerhouse for years, and they are hungry for a championship. If the USA wants to get out of their group, they will have to be in nothing less than top form.

The World Cup is a magical sporting even that links every nation on the planet as one. It is something that comes around only every 4 years, and it would be a shame if the United States put in a poor performance on a stage this prestigious. With heats full of hope, and mouths filled with the chant of “I believe that we will win”, the US squad will kick off against Ghana in a short few days. With the eyes of the whole nation on them, hopefully they can pull out some magic.