USA in the World Cup Finals

So, in dramatic fashion, the US went from being eliminated in the group stage again, to winning their group. Donovan's goal in the 91st minute of the game changed the fortunes of soccer in America for the next 4 years. Now, we don't have to wait another 4 years to hope America can prove they at least belong in the discussion of top 15 or 20 teams in the world.

And because the US played so well in the group, they are rewarded by avoiding any 'major' team until at least the Semi-Finals. The US plays Ghana on Saturday at 2:30pm(EST). Ghana is a good team. Their solid, but their beatable. They are not Germany, England, Brazil, Spain, Portugal or Argentina. In fact, we will avoid these teams even if we win another game.

The winner of Saturday's game will play the winner of Uruguay and South Korea. Two more good teams, but not great teams. Both beatable. The US could shock the work and be playing Brazil in the Semi-Finals. That would be amazing.

I know need to go buy a Landon Donovan jersey. I like how he plays, and he wears my number from high school...#10.

And if you didn't know...in soccer, its tradition that the best player on the team wears #10...the second best often wears #9. So when you're watching the games...identify number 10, that's the opponents best player.

Enjoy the World Cup. It only comes every 4 years. And with the scoring being so limited, the excitement when a shot is taken is incredible. If you try to appreciate it, you can really get excited. But at least root for the USA. Its your home country. (unless its not your home country)

USA's possibilities in the World Cup

We haven't talked at all about the World Cup yet, and I suppose I can do a recap later, but for now here's the USA's scenarios for advancing out of the group stage. They play Wednesday at 10am against Algeria.

US loses to Algeria - eliminated
US ties Algeria AND England beats Slovenia - eliminated
US ties Algeria AND Slovenia beats England - advance as 2nd place in group
US ties Algeria AND England ties Slovenia - needs to win goal differential against England
US wins - they advance no matter what...place in the group depends on the England/Slovenia match

Vocab - Goal Differential = Goals Scored minus Goals Allowed
If you care, the second tie break is Total Goals Scored in group play.

So its pretty simple, Win and your in. The US should win, but that scenario hasn't held true very often in this World Cup. Some good teams are drawing or losing to lesser teams. I guess the quality of soccer/futbol around the world is evening out.

If the US advances, they play either Saturday at 230pm or Sunday at 10am.