How far will you think the US soccer team will advance in the world Cup of 2006 in Germany?
359529
I don't think they'll go anywhere near as far (is that an oxymoron?) as they did in the 2002 Cup in Japan/South Korea. They pretty much shocked the world by advancing to the semifinals and I just can't see them pulling off such a miraculous feat this time around. Hopefully, they will at least survive their group and put on a good show. \n\nMy pick to win it all is England. It's been exactly 40 years since they beat Germany on English soil and now they're going to do it again on German soil. England forever!
479093
The US is arguably in one the toughest groups of the world cup. They will have to be playing Italy, the Czech Republic, and Ghana. I figure they should be getting past Ghana. They will have to at least beat either Italy or the Czech Republic (or tie each of these teams). I think that they have a good chance of advancing out of their group. If they do they will probably be the second place team in their group. In this case, they will play the winner of group F. This will most likely be Brazil that is where their world cup trip ends. So, their only hope is to be the team with the most points in their group. In this case, they will have to play most likely Japan. From their they will go on to the quarterfinals where I don't think they will be able to win. They will probably have a good run, either way.
430986
I would of coarse love to see the United States win the world cup because i am American and they are always being underestimated. Other then United States i would like to see Holland take it. They have a strong team and some fire power up front. If Van Nistelrooy has a tournament, i believe Holland will take it, if not, England isnt lookin to bad themselves. They just need to get Beckham's head out of his ass and stop hyping him up because he aint good he can only take free kicks.
390921
I would like to see Uruguay, Wales, and/or Ireland in. I would really love to see USA out because, although according to FIFA they're one of the top 10 teams, they have no history, a very small fanbase in the country for soccer, and have not really shown that they are worthy of being included in the best sporting event in the world.
349469
As an Argentinian football fanatic, I never thought I would be admitting this, but I believe the United States has become a respectable football power. \n\nUnited States has improved their football program by "exporting" players overseas.  It's quite smart, really; you teach a kid to play soccer here in the states, and when he becomes old enough, you send him to Europe to learn the ropes of international soccer...\n\nUnited States has been doing this for years... I think they are finally ready to make a substantial difference in this World Cup.  Maybe not the finals because of lack of experience and the amazing pressure of the World Cup finals, but I believe they will be among the semi-finalists in June.\n\nHope this helps!
1082396
I think Germany should progress, as I think their home advantage is very strong. Sweden will give them a hard time for it though, mark my words.
1121567
In my opinion USA can't show good performance in the fortcoming fifa worldcup as it has to win the great power block like italy and czech republic in its first round. both of its great rivals are going germany with great hope of wining. but dont give up hope USA fan it is football anything can happen as croatia did in wc '98.
358316
Germany 06 will be number 8 for USA
553130
I have no idea if that is true or not cause I have not heard it.  But that is a pretty foolish bet if it is true.  In my opinion the US is head and shoulders above Venezuela in terms of teams.  One we have a higher world ranking, and while that really doesn't matter, we are also in the World Cup.  Try and name 5 Venezuelians playing in a league in Europe, hell try and name 1, I can't.  Also the US played a poor game against Morroco, with such players as Landon Donovan and DeMarcus Beasley just not on top of their games.  They will look to this upcoming friendly as a way to gain momentum for the World Cup, and also factor in this is a home game and I feel the USA will come out hard and get a 2-0 win.
351540
i hate to say it, but i honestly think its going to be unlikely that usa moves on, given that we're in the group of death... ghana, czech republic, and italy... i think italy & czech republic will move on...
470219
They'll do okay. Won't make it 2 far, but they'll show us what their made of. - - You can't underestimate any teams in the WC. Every team in the tournament is good, that's why their there...ya dig!
1064836
I agree, USA ranked fifth on the world is a joke, who have they beat? and the championship that US organized, they end up inviting teams that are barely able to make it to the world cup.
318894
They'll be lucky to get past the first round. Czech Republic has a strong team and Italy is out of the question. After watching the Germany game, I don't think they'll do well. The Us needs to stop playing friendlies against such weak opponents. All that does is raise false confidence.
376091
USA has a soccer team?
472394
Anything is possible, and a lot depends on the draw.\n\nHowever, it is unlikely because the USA are a long way from being in the top 8 international teams, and will probably struggle to qualify from their group.
470998
Mate, you're mad.  Brazil could send a third choice squad and still finish in the top eight.  Their starting line up will be Ronaldo, Adriano, Ronaldinho, Kaka, Juninho, and Emerson.  Please, they can break down any defense at will.\n\nIf you want to argue that they won't win because they have a suspect defense, I will entertain that arguement.  Out of Croatia, Japan, and Australia which team is beating them?   None.\n\nWhen they win group F, they will play the runner-up in Group E -- probably the US (the latest rumor is that Nedved is retiring and Koller will not be fit --which I think puts the US ahead of the Czechs).  You think the US is beating Brazil???  I'd love to see it, but I am still connected to reality.
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