NationStates Jolt Archive

How far will the United States advance at Germany 2006 (soccer's World Cup)?

Was 2002's quarterfinal finish a fluke, or are the Americans really becoming a decent side?

Please vote and discuss.

They'll win it all!!!!!!!!


What the fuck do I know about soccer?:D

I voted for the round of 16... I think the US will be good enough to make it out of their group (so long as they're not in the group of death, anyway)... but in the round of 16 they'll likely run into a team like Holland, Brazil, etc (one of the powers) who's just straight-up better than they are... and lose there.

They'll win it all!!!!!!!!


What the fuck do I know about soccer?:D

hehe

watch Fox Soccer Channel... they show English Premier League, German Bundesliga, Italian Serie A (etc.) games.

you will begin to learn the game.

Depends on the kind of group they get.

I haven't seen them play since the last world cup, so I can't really tell how good they are, but I've got my doubts whether they will be able to hold their own if they get a strong group.

Who was in their qualification campaign? Did they beat anyone strong in recent times?

I think that with a little luck they'll make the quarters at least. And everyone needs a little luck.

Realistically, people should wait until Friday's group draw before answering that question, because the USA would have a much better chance advancing out of a group comprising, say,

Spain
USA
Togo
Switzerland

Than they would in a group comprising, say,

Brazil
USA
Ghana
Netherlands

That said, I don't think the 2002 quarterfinal result was a fluke, but I don't expect the Americans to do as well in Germany.

Bruce Arena's the best coach the USA have ever had, they have a core of solidly reliable European-based players with experience at the highest level (including the World Cup), and MLS - for all its obvious faults - is at least providing the next generation of American players somewhere to hone their skills.

The American national team can't match the Dutch or the Brazilians - or even the Paraguayans - for technical skill, but it's tactically well-organised with a reliable core of experienced players. And as Greece proved in the last European Championships, you can do very well with that sort of team.

But Western Hemisphere teams - with the notable exception of Brazil in '58 - traditionally don't travel well to Europe. So, with the caveat that the group draw will go a long way towards determining the USA's chances, I wouldn't be surprised to see them reach the knock-out stages before losing to the likes of Spain, Italy, or England.

Unless perhaps they face Mexico in the second round for the second tournament in a row. That I'd like to see again....

For what it's worth, I'm British, living in Australia, but spent 10 years or so living in the USA in the 80s and 90s. My nightmare - and entirely possible - World Cup group: England, USA, Australia, Netherlands

Depends on the kind of group they get.

I haven't seen them play since the last world cup, so I can't really tell how good they are, but I've got my doubts whether they will be able to hold their own if they get a strong group.

Who was in their qualification campaign? Did they beat anyone strong in recent times?

they won the CONCACAF qualifying group ahead of second-place Mexico (Los Tricolores) and third-place Costa Rica (Los Ticos)

they went 1-1 against Mexico (lost 2-1 at Estadio Azteca and beat the Tricolores 2-0 in the US)

they tied Scotland in Scotland recently

the stars of the team will likely be:

forwards Brian McBride (Fulham) and Eddie Johnson (FC Dallas)

attacking central midfielder (should be ACM, anyway) Landon Donovan (LA Galaxy)

central midfielder Claudio Reyna (Manchester City)

wing midfielder DaMarcus Beasley (PSV)

...and hopefully teenager Freddie Adu, who's a spectacular talent, will make the team and maybe play the wing opposite Beasley.

Personally I would think the Czech Republic will be good for a few surprises though. Not many teams can hold Brazil at bay these days.

...and hopefully teenager Freddie Adu, who's a spectacular talent, will make the team and maybe play the wing opposite Beasley.

Adu's too young - and currently too overrated.

Give him four years playing in Europe, and he'll be ready. But at 17 he's too young, too inexperienced, and - crucially - not good enough yet. He's certainly no Wayne Rooney - he can't even hold down a starting position at DC United.

There's every chance that in a couple of years, with a little more leavening, he'll be a crucial part of the US squad. But not yet.

How far will the United States advance at Germany 2006 (soccer's World Cup)?

Was 2002's quarterfinal finish a fluke, or are the Americans really becoming a decent side?

Let's see. . . I am an American, I did play soccer for years until injuries took me from it. . . I do follow some international soccer. . .

2002 was a fluke, but they are getting better. It doesn't matter because the team that elimanted them last time will in in 06 on its home turf! You know I mean. . .
Germany

To me, the USA playing soccer is a bit like anyone else in the world trying to play us in basketball/football; An excersize in futility.

The USA aren't a bad team, and seemingly getting increasingly good. I'd say they have a very good chance of making it to the second round, and I wouldn't be surprised if they repeated their 2002 performance. Further than that, though, would be a major surprise.

Realistically, people should wait until Friday's group draw before answering that question, because the USA would have a much better chance advancing out of a group comprising, say,

Spain
USA
Togo
Switzerland

Than they would in a group comprising, say,

Brazil
USA
Ghana
Netherlands

That said, I don't think the 2002 quarterfinal result was a fluke, but I don't expect the Americans to do as well in Germany.

Bruce Arena's the best coach the USA have ever had, they have a core of solidly reliable European-based players with experience at the highest level (including the World Cup), and MLS - for all its obvious faults - is at least providing the next generation of American players somewhere to hone their skills.

The American national team can't match the Dutch or the Brazilians - or even the Paraguayans - for technical skill, but it's tactically well-organised with a reliable core of experienced players. And as Greece proved in the last European Championships, you can do very well with that sort of team.

But Western Hemisphere teams - with the notable exception of Brazil in '58 - traditionally don't travel well to Europe. So, with the caveat that the group draw will go a long way towards determining the USA's chances, I wouldn't be surprised to see them reach the knock-out stages before losing to the likes of Spain, Italy, or England.

Unless perhaps they face Mexico in the second round for the second tournament in a row. That I'd like to see again....

For what it's worth, I'm British, living in Australia, but spent 10 years or so living in the USA in the 80s and 90s. My nightmare - and entirely possible - World Cup group: England, USA, Australia, Netherlands


The Mexican national team hates the US... they see themselves as "El Gigante de CONCACAF" and the US's rapid improvement at the international level has them pissed off.

The fact that right after beating Mexico 2-0 in the US, US captain Landon Donovan said of Mexico, "They suck"... won't make them like the US any more.

(Donovan claims that Mexican players have threatened him and his mother on the pitch... which, if true, gives Donovan license to say whatever he wants about the Mexican team.

So if Mex and the US play again, expect a lot of hard tackles.

Let's see. . . I am an American, I did play soccer for years until injuries took me from it. . . I do follow some international soccer. . .

2002 was a fluke, but they are getting better. It doesn't matter because the team that elimanted them last time will in in 06 on its home turf! You know I mean. . .
Germany

thing is, though, that 2002 Germany team didn't really beat any top teams... they barely beat the US in the round of 8 and then -- probably because no germans were red carded a la ITALY and PORTUGAL -- they got past overachieving Korea. that got them to the finals, where they were throttled by Brazil.

Germany hasn't beaten any of the world powers since 2000. They are at home, but I bet they wish this were a good German team... per se, their home-field advantage is perhaps enough to get them to the semifinals, at which point it's hard to imagine they wouldn't simply be playing a better team like Italy, England, Holland, Brazil or Argentina.

one thing's for sure (or so I would imagine): every German soccer fan is praying that Michael Ballack -- probably their only really world-class player -- stays healthy for the next 9 months or so.

Germany hasn't beaten any of the world powers since 2000. They are at home, but I bet they wish this were a good German team... per se, their home-field advantage is perhaps enough to get them to the semifinals, at which point it's hard to imagine they wouldn't simply be playing a better team like Italy, England, Holland, Brazil or Argentina.
Better than England any day of the week, but the rest of them - I have my doubts as well.
Semi-Final would be great, but it'd take something like a miracle to make it further.

The Mexican national team hates the US... they see themselves as "El Gigante de CONCACAF" and the US's rapid improvement at the international level has them pissed off.

The fact that right after beating Mexico 2-0 in the US, US captain Landon Donovan said of Mexico, "They suck"... won't make them like the US any more.

(Donovan claims that Mexican players have threatened him and his mother on the pitch... which, if true, gives Donovan license to say whatever he wants about the Mexican team.

So if Mex and the US play again, expect a lot of hard tackles.

Which would be just like their second round match in 2002, when towards the end of the match the Mexicans seemed to be using Cobi Jones as a one-man Alamo re-enactment. You'll no doubt remember that Marquez was given a straight red card for a tackle on Jones.

I do know what I'm talking about, you know.

Better than England any day of the week, but the rest of them - I have my doubts as well.
Semi-Final would be great, but it'd take something like a miracle to make it further.

yeah, and i meant to temper my poo-pooing of Germany's chances by saying that I'm highly impressed with Podolski and Schweinsteiger as well as Ballack.

Which would be just like their second round match in 2002, when towards the end of the match the Mexicans seemed to be using Coby Jones as a one-man Alamo re-enactment. You'll no doubt remember that Marquez was given a straight red card for a tackle on Jones.

I do know what I'm talking about, you know.

(nobody said you didn't)

I remember the round of 16 match with Mexico... they were going after US players all over the pitch.

They really don't have the team to go far... BUT I hope they make it FAR!!! It's about time to bring the gospel of Soccer to USA.

they tied Scotland in Scotland recently

Well that was a shit performance from the US...

To be honest, I think the US is improving quite well, not a major league player, I'd put them a little behind England (or well behind, depends whether Beckham and Rooney decide to play well).

I doubt they'll really make it past the 16 though, they are likely to run into a really hefty opponent there (France, the Netherlands, Brazil, Argentina, Spain, Germany and Portugal are all major threats and are likely to win their groups, I think the US would come second in theirs)

this is off-topic (sort of), but... what are each of the main contenders' strengths? I know what put a few of the teams on the map/what they're taught/good at, but only a few:

Italy - Defense and possession... control the ball, play for one goal.

Holland - Total Football -- strong attack bringing the fullbacks forward

Brazil - See Holland

Germany - "Mechanical" style?

England - ? I know they're very strong in the midfield rigtht now and tend to favor the long ball

Spain - ?

Portugal - ?

France - ?

Czech Republic - long through-balls to Barros from Rosicky? (hehe)

Argentina - Total energy, strong midfield passing?

It could be... and I'm just speculating here... that The US team does not get enough heavy international games. Who do they play in their qualification group... friendlies..? I don't know.

I doubt they'll really make it past the 16 though, they are likely to run into a really hefty opponent there (France, the Netherlands, Brazil, Argentina, Spain, Germany and Portugal are all major threats and are likely to win their groups, I think the US would come second in theirs)

You don't know what the groups are, how can you say that?

Personally, i think soccer is a really stupid, boring, low-scoring game.

But on the other hand - America rocks at everything.

I'll have to say finals. And if they don't win it'll be because playing a foriegn game has weakend their americanism.

It could be... and I'm just speculating here... that The US team does not get enough heavy international games. Who do they play in their qualification group... friendlies..? I don't know.

Q group: Mexico, Costa Rica, Trinidad & Tobago, etc.

You don't know what the groups are, how can you say that?

yeah, i hope this thread stays alive until tomorrow... the draw will maybe make some of us wish we could change our votes. hehe

yeah, i hope this thread stays alive until tomorrow... the draw will maybe make some of us wish we could change our votes. hehe
Nothing says you can't bring it back.

Nothing says you can't bring it back.

rise, Lazarus, rise!

hehe

Let's see. . . I am an American, I did play soccer for years until injuries took me from it. . . I do follow some international soccer. . .

2002 was a fluke, but they are getting better. It doesn't matter because the team that elimanted them last time will in in 06 on its home turf! You know I mean. . .
Germany

I was in Germany in June of last year, and caught most of the Euro 2004. I wasn't very impressed with their performance.

You don't know what the groups are, how can you say that?

Because I do not rate the US as a top team I think the odds are in favour of their making second if they make it through unless they end up in a group of Death or a group of Muppetry.

I was in Germany in June of last year, and caught most of the Euro 2004. I wasn't very impressed with their performance.

Greece FTW!

I was in Germany in June of last year, and caught most of the Euro 2004. I wasn't very impressed with their performance.
Yeah...no one was I don't think.

They did a little better in the Confed Cup though - but again, once they met Brazil, that was it.

To me, the USA playing soccer is a bit like anyone else in the world trying to play us in basketball/football; An excersize in futility.

Nah, we really are starting to be competitive. All those years of AYSO are starting to pay-off.

Yeah...no one was I don't think.

They did a little better in the Confed Cup though - but again, once they met Brazil, that was it.

Speaking of the Confed Cup, you have to start taking Mexico seriously as a team.

(And the US did well against them lately).

Here it is... a day early:

France
Togo
Switzerland
USA

sounds good, no?

You get to hurl France jokes. Oh what fun...

... you have to start taking Mexico seriously as a team.Their u-21 team is the BEST in ages. Really.

Speaking of the Confed Cup, you have to start taking Mexico seriously as a team.
Personally, I do - although I think victory against them is something that should be expected, while victory against Argentina, Brazil or the Czech Republic is a different matter.

You get to hurl France jokes. Oh what fun...


YAAAAAYY!!

Q: Why don't they have fireworks at Euro Disney?
A: Because every time they shoot them off, the French try to surrender.


Q: How are French babies born?
A: With their hands up

Going to war without the French is like going hunting without an accordion. -- Jed Babbin, former Undersecretary of Defense

Q. How many French soldiers does it take to defend Paris?
A. Don't know, it's never been tried.

Q. What do you call 100,000 Frenchmen with their hands up?
A. Their army.

Q: What's the difference between a Frenchman and a catfish?
A: One is an ugly, scum sucking bottom-feeder and the other is a fish.

Q: What English word has no equivalent in the French language?
A: Gratitude.

One of my favorites...

Q: How many generations does it take to learn ingratitude?
A: Trois

just a few.
try to enjoy these for the humor.
GO USA

try to enjoy these for the humor.
I'm trying, but a few of them are just plainly false.
And making fun of you because you have a deformed nose (chances are that you don't) is not exactly witty.

YAAAAAYY!! -snip
Going to war without the French is like going hunting without an accordion. -- Jed Babbin, former Undersecretary of Defense
-snap

Insanely funny. All of them. Seems like there's a bit of afterbirth caught in this one though... mind cleaning it much..?

Let's just say Brazil has it's name on the trophy already, how can you stop Ronaldinho, Juninho (the one that plays in Lyon), Ronbinho, Kaka, Adriano, Emmerson (he's the heart of the mid-field). I don't think any team has anything close to the firepower that Brazil is going to bring to the world cup next year

Wow. It'll be funny when the US starts graduating some of its younger players and gets really good. Then the world will hate us more for taking their beloved soccer away from them.

Let's just say Brazil has it's name on the trophy already, how can you stop Ronaldinho, Juninho (the one that plays in Lyon), Ronbinho, Kaka, Adriano, Emmerson (he's the heart of the mid-field). I don't think any team has anything close to the firepower that Brazil is going to bring to the world cup next year

they're in Europe. I have a strong feeling that a European power will win this thing.

Does history support the notion that European teams win World Cups that take place in Europe?

(also, I wanted to put this thread back on the front page of General... so people could make more informed comments/votes when the... freaking... groups... are... drawn.

if they're gonna have such a long introductory phase for the proceedings, Heidi Klum needs to start taking her clothes off. Or do a keg stand. or both. hehe

Wow. It'll be funny when the US starts graduating some of its younger players and gets really good. Then the world will hate us more for taking their beloved soccer away from them.
England already hate the world for taking Football away for them. And cricket. Damn the world!

well F*CK!

US is in the Group of Death:

Italy
Czech Republic
USA
Ghana

Every team in that group is capable of beating every other team. Italy can't afford to play for just one goal... with offensive teams like Ghana and the CR. Italy needs to attack.

I hate to say it, but unless they play very, very well and upset either the Czechs or Italy (unlikely on both counts), the US isn't going to make it to the second round.

Meanwhile, freaking Mexico gets Portugal in their group and THAT'S IT. That group will go Portugal, then Mexico. cripes.

why can't FIFA figure out a way to make the groups more even?

Argentina got screwed too with Holland, Serb & Mont, and Ivory Coast... call it Group of Death 2

well F*CK!

US is in the Group of Death:

Italy
Czech Republic
USA
Ghana

Every team in that group is capable of beating every other team. Italy can't afford to play for just one goal... with offensive teams like Ghana and the CR. Italy needs to attack.

I hate to say it, but unless they play very, very well and upset either the Czechs or Italy (unlikely on both counts), the US isn't going to make it to the second round.

Meanwhile, freaking Mexico gets Portugal in their group and THAT'S IT. That group will go Portugal, then Mexico. cripes.

why can't FIFA figure out a way to make the groups more even?

Argentina got screwed too with Holland, Serb & Mont, and Ivory Coast... call it Group of Death 2
Yeah.. America are doomed but I don't know about Argentina.. they should place above Serbia and Ivory Coast are minnows..

Wow, what a shafting.

Yeah.. America are doomed but I don't know about Argentina.. they should place above Serbia and Ivory Coast are minnows..

Yeah, Argentina will make it through that group pretty easily.

Wow, USA got screwed.

Big time.

Yeah, Argentina will make it through that group pretty easily.

i want to know how Spain got such an easy group. this is such an unbalanced World Cup draw.

C and E are Group of Death quality.

B and D are similar: two clear favorites (England/Sweden and Portugal/Mexico).

A, F, G and H are all shit: Germany, Brazil, France and Spain should all cruise through group play... at least on paper.

i want to know how Spain got such an easy group. this is such an unbalanced World Cup draw.

C and E are Group of Death quality.

B and D are similar: two clear favorites (England/Sweden and Portugal/Mexico).

A, F, G and H are all shit: Germany, Brazil, France and Spain should all cruise through group play... at least on paper.

E yes, C no. Argentina and Holland will take that no worries, unless the Ivory Coast get lucky, Senegal style.

they're in Europe. I have a strong feeling that a European power will win this thing.

Does history support the notion that European teams win World Cups that take place in Europe?

England has won 100% of all world cups taking place in England :D

I don't know about general trends though.

Well.... We didn't do so bad against France during the qualification... 0-0 in Paris and 1-1 in Bern.
So, teoretically, we have a chance.

Group G
France
Switzerland
Korea Republic
Togo

Regarding group E... well, what can i say :D Good luck. But being half italian, i can only hope to see another final match against Brazil. And see Ronaldiño pull out one of his trick.

Well.... We didn't do so bad against France during the qualification... 0-0 in Paris and 1-1 in Bern.
So, teoretically, we have a chance.

Group G
France
Switzerland
Korea Republic
Togo

Regarding group E... well, what can i say :D Good luck. But being half italian, i can only hope to see another final match against Brazil. And see Ronaldiño pull out one of his trick.

well if Italy are going to play Brazil in the finals, they'd better win group E... because if they finish sec ond, they'll play Brazil in the round of 16. Nice.

FIFA just told Italy, US and Czech Republic to F off.

E yes, C no. Argentina and Holland will take that no worries, unless the Ivory Coast get lucky, Senegal style.

I view that as Group of Death 2 -- Serbia & Montenegro beat Spain in their qualifying group... S & M (hehe) are probably as good as the USA, and Ivory Coast/Ghana is a draw.

I understand the frustrations of all of you USians at the draw (you got an evil group), but I believe the one country to get truly shafted is Australia.

First WC in 32 years, and they get Brazil. Talk about the deep end...

I understand the frustrations of all of you USians at the draw (you got an evil group), but I believe the one country to get truly shafted is Australia.

First WC in 32 years, and they get Brazil. Talk about the deep end...

Yeah, but finishing second is certainly achievable. Where we would exit to the winner of group E.

Wasn't everyone here talking up the chances of the US doing well in this tournament just a day ago? Surely that means you expect the team to be able to beat tough opposition. It just starts a game or so earlier than expected.

I don't expect the US to qualify from that group, but then I don't rate them as highly as others here seem to.

Hopefully we lose the first game, like any respectable non-soccer playing/loving country should. Anything else would be utterly shameful.

Hopefully we lose the first game, like any respectable non-soccer playing/loving country should. Anything else would be utterly shameful.
You'll be playing Ghana.

Anyways, if you want to play around a bit, I found this website:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/sol/shared/spl/hi/predictor/html/football/world_cup_06/default.stm