Let's Go Yankees

The USA has a poor all time record in the World Cup. It reached the semifinals in the very first World Cup, but suffered one humiliating defeat after another in the development of the sport, failing to qualify even in this weak continent for the 9 World Cups between 1950 and 1990. As hosts in 1994, the US showed some promise, advancing thanks mostly to that sadly fatal own goal in the Colombian match. 1998 was a step back, I believe mostly because of an overreliance upon the supposed stars of the 1994 team. Thankfully in 2002 the USA introduced some real players, not just long haired marketing machines, and it paid off with a run to the quarterfinals, and if not for a missed obvious handball, the US reaching the final wouldn't have been out of the question. A lot of that was due to Brad Friedel playing superman and making saves which bordered on impossible, and I'll go on to say that only Oliver Kahn meant more to his team in 2002.

Many 2002 players return for Germany, and qualifying was the easiest it's been in modern history. The USA qualified with three matches to go basically, sealing things with a fantastic win over Mexico, which capped a 5 game winning streak, each an impressive win.

The team is pretty well blended between players based in MLS and those based overseas (Germany and England, mainly). Claudio Reyna I still think is the best playmaker in the midfield, so his injury worries me greatly. Keeping remains a strong point, as Keller always plays better in international competitions, occasionally incredible. Howard and Hahnemann give depth few other teams have. Those keepers are definitely helped by the size and strength of Oguchi Onyewu, who may just be the best player on the roster. McBride will probably be the biggest scoring threat, but don't be surprised if Beasley's speed is tough to handle in the Czech match.

But the one to watch is Landon Donovan. Yes, he wasn't able to hack it in Germany before. Yes, he sometimes has trouble with physical, bigger defenders. But he's also the one player attacking on the US roster who has made me surprised by plays I didn't think Americans could do. He's dangerous outside the box. He can whip crosses in. He can slip behind opponents. And he's hitting his prime. Plus, never forget the power of narrative in the World Cup. A young Donovan was pretty much shamed by German soccer. Watch him return and show what they missed. He'll be the best American player.

But the group is just too tough. Had the US gotten Mexico's draw, easy advance. Costa Rica's, easy advance. Even Trinidad and Tobago's, they'd probably advance. But instead they're stuck with two exceptional European teams, and a good African team. No gimmes. And worst still, they play the two big Euros first, and Ghana last. So the US doesn't get the advantage of posting something on the board against the small team for the others to match.