How is the US Team looking this year for the cup?
344234
I think they are going to be one of the more interesting teams to see this year. I am very interested to see them play as a whole come the end of next month when they are doing their "final tune-up matches". I mean, no one has seen our whole "A" team together in ages, so who knows what we can do. Personally, I think we will be in decent shape to fight for a chance to get out of the first round if we have all of our midfielders in health. *crosses fingers for Reyna and O'Brien to stay in shape* I think this year the US will have make you once again proud of them!^^
446887
I think they are in a very difficult group, but definitely The USA has a chance of getting in the last 8 or 4 if they can overcome the first round, but hopefully for the they don't have to face Brazil early in the next round like they did in 1994. But who knows The USA can be the big surprise of this world cup.
1003098
USA got a balaced team & may have good oppurtunities in future.\nBut watching the match against c.repablic I"d rather preffer basketball.
1069695
A little nauseated. Is that world cup still going on? \nYou all like to let it go on and on just to rub it in that the US is out of it.\nWell, wait till 2010 and I'm the coach. Its gonna be a slaughter!
374852
Consistent play, comprehensive preparations and a slew of talented players – many of whom helped see them through to the quarter-finals at Korea/Japan 2002 – ensured the United States can look forward to a fifth consecutive appearance on the world's biggest stage at Germany 2006. \nGone are the days when the North American nation was derided as a second-tier footballing side, and coach Bruce Arena has his team believing that their capricious mix of young talents such as DaMarcus Beasley and Landon Donovan and wily old campaigners like Brian McBride and Claudio Reyna could be enough to see off the world's best. \n\nArena's Americans reached the 2006 FIFA World Cup™ with three matches still to play in the final round of North, Central American and Caribbean qualifying. And even with a loss late in the campaign to fellow qualifiers Costa Rica, the USA still finished top of the regional pack for the first time in their history. \n\nWith only one loss in their opening six final round matches, the US needed a win at home against arch-rivals Mexico on 3 September 2005 to book their place and a capacity crowd in Columbus, Ohio roared on the Stars and Stripes in one of the most colourful atmospheres ever seen at a football game in the United States. \n\nGoals from Steve Ralston and Beasley saw the Americans defeat their neighbours to the south and kick off wild celebrations in and around Crew Stadium in the heart of the Midwest. "You'll look at it and say it's real easy and it's a breeze. But it's not a breeze. It's very difficult," Arena said of their qualifying campaign. \n\n"I remember back to our first game in this round away in Trinidad and every game has been difficult, but I think our experiences over the last four years have positioned us to be successful, and our guys know how to win in big games." \n\nIn their three remaining qualifiers Arena – who has been coach since 1998 – took the opportunity to experiment with an eye on the finals in Germany. "The goal is 2006 and I need to look at everybody I can," Arena said after the final qualifier, a 2-0 win over Panama in Boston in which Taylor Twellman and Kyle Martino scored their first international goals. \n\nAfter reaching the semi-finals of the inaugural FIFA World Cup in 1930, the USA's fortunes were decidedly less impressive for a long time, but they have been on an upward trajectory of late. After nearly a half century without reaching the finals (from 1950 to 1990) the States finally returned to the big stage at Italia 90. After reaching the second round as hosts four years later, they finishing last in their group at France 1998, but came out flying at Korea/Japan 2002. \n\nLed by Donovan, Reyna and McBride, the Americans beat Portugal in their opener before knocking out Mexico in the second round to reach the quarter-finals where they lost to Germany. With a host of new players and the old guard from Korea/Japan still largely intact, the USA will be keen to improve on their performance of 2002 when they arrive in Hamburg – the German city they have selected as their home base – in the summer of 2006. \n\nFounded 1913 \nAffiliated 1913 \nWC participations 7 (1930, 1934, 1950, 1990, 1994, 1998, 2002) \nWC honours Semi-final 1930, Quarter-final 2002 \nContinental Titles Gold Cup (1991, 2002), Pan American champions (1991) \nFacts\n\n\nIn recent years the United States have emerged as a force to be reckoned with, qualifying for the last four FIFA World Cup finals. The Americans reached the quarter-finals at Korea/Japan '02, losing narrowly to the eventual runners-up Germany.\n\n\nThe USA reached the semi-finals of the first FIFA World Cup in 1930, although only 13 teams took part. Argentina ended American hopes with a 6-1 win.\n\n\nIn 1948, the USA suffered their worst defeat, when they lost 11-0 to Norway in Oslo. Their best result came in 1993 when they beat the Cayman Islands 8-1, watched
20955
I think they have a shot to get to the next round. Italy is tough to beat, but they may win to Ghana and Czech Republic. As long as they know how to distribute their energy Ghana will be easy to beat, and the Czech Republic is a similar team but USA can outrun them.
1112827
I think realistically, Brazil is probably the best team out there, but I'd sure like to see USA do well.  They have a really tough group though, and to get past the first round would be a major mental victory.
400779
The U.S. will be able to beat Ghana and the Czech Republic.  They have a chance to beat Italy if they have all their key players healthy (Beasley, McBride, Donovan, etc.).  I predict them finishing second to Italy in their group and even winning their first round match.
328026
No, I think as always Brazil is the team to watch out for. The United States could be a surprisingly strong team, but I do not think they will win it this year.
405160
Maybe a 1/8 chance, they will surrently make it out of Group E with the terrible U.S. They have one of the best goalkeepers in the world in Gigi Buffon and have a lot of talented strikers like Totti, Toni, and Del Piero. Good defense with Cannavaro, Nesta and Zaccardo but this team is pretty much even with others in Europe so it comes down to heart.
137690
They will struggle in their division. They have the defending champs and two other teams over 80 games won last season. Pudge will have another season past his prime, but Magglio Ordonez will be a solid pick up. Their starting pitchers are questionable, but I like Kenny Rogers, Jeremy Bonderman, and Nate Robinson combining for over 30 of their(here comes my prediction)78 wins this season. And 84 losses.
1159629
Germany has a weak division. I can see Klose being the leading scorer of the tournament. They already put up four in their first match. They will go far in the cup, and I foresee a lot of goals in their future.
381655
The USA has the talent but have not played together as a team yet. It will take a huge effort to get out of our group but if we do, I thimk we can go far.
374560
Not at this point no. I mean, sure...if they make it to the finals they might get a lucky goal at the last second if they can keep a tie. That'd be about the only way. There are too many teams with way more talent out there for the US to have a solid chance at winning by pure skill alone.
1001279
I honestly cannot see the USA winning this match. The sheer quality present in the Czech team should overpower the Americans. That said, there are some gems in the USA squad, but my bet is definitely on the Czechs.
1023568
I care.  I think the U.S. has a good chance to advance.  They're experienced, in contrast to the typical U.S. team...and confident, with quality international talent at nearly every position.  I hope they play good matches....win at least one and tie another...give themselves a chance.
667005
I think they'll make it back within 2 years. I think with Ovechkin and Zubrus they have 2 great players to build around. I think they need a more solid goalie. Olie is at the end of his great career and will probably be a good back since he signed an extension.