World Cup 2014 Team Spotlight – U.S.A.
This year’s USA side has the players and the manager to make decent run in the World Cup finals in Brazil, but they have been handed the misfortune of being placed in one of the toughest groups in the tournament. [ad-1519080]
That leaves World Cup handicappers asking the question — will their talent be enough to surprise the world and reach the round of 16 like they did in 2010, or will playing the likes of Germany and Portugal in the group rounds be their demise?
Group G: Germany, Portugal, USA, Ghana
FIFA Ranking: 14
Jun 16 v Ghana, Jun 21 v Portugal, Jun 26 v Germany
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The USA has a pretty good record in World Cup appearances, playing seven consecutive of their nine total tournaments. However, getting to the finals is one thing, and coming up short every single time is another.
The Americans have only registered one really successful run, which came during the first World Cup in 1930, when they got as far as the semifinals.
Since then, the Americans have been eliminated in the round of 16, on two occasions and made it to the quarter finals once, in 2002.
This summer it will be critical for the USA to secure a win in its first match against Ghana, a side that knocked them out of the 2010 World Cup, when striker Asamoah Gyan sent a left-footed missile into the net to give the Black Stars a 2-1 victory in the 94th minute.
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If the US does anything less, it will probably rule them out of contention for a place in the knockout rounds, as marshaling enough points in their following two matches could be very interesting as they take on Portugal and then Germany.
The team will rely on the services of 33-year-old Landon Donovan, who is still an effective weapon. He has amassed over 150 caps since his debut in 2000, and now holds the records for top goal scorer and most assists for the USA.
He is the fuel in the American engine room and was a critical component in the sides’ easy ride through its two CONCACAF qualifying rounds.
In the first group stage the Americans secured the No. 1 spot after claiming 13 points in six games, and then took seven wins from their 10 final group stage matches, finishing in first place while qualifying for another World Cup.
Donovan’s skills and experience will prove crucial and his keen eye for goal scoring has already been noticed by manager Jurgen Klinsmann — who himself has won a World Cup and European Championship as a player with Germany.
Klinsmann, also has World Cup managerial experience, piloting the Germans to a World Cup semifinal finishing in 2006.
His intimate knowledge of German football could prove instrumental when the USA meets his former side in the final match of the group stage.
Matt’s Free Prediction – Eliminated in Group Stage
While the Americans have the tools to challenge their competition, the odds of making it to the round of 16 will be a challenge. I expect a good start against Ghana, before suffering two straight defeats to finish in third place in group G.
