Will the USA Mens National team improve this summer on their quarter-final result from 2002 Japan-Korea?
367279
I think it will be tough for USA to improve on 2002 because they have a decent shot of advancing, but I don't feel that they will win the group, thus would most likely end up playing Brazil, and I hate to say it but I just don't see Landon and the rest of the crew beating Brazil.  So while this wouldn't be an improvement over the last world cup, there really would be no shame bowing out to Brazil in any round.
394132
A number of issues must be solved by a team to win teh world cup.  One, they must be fit.  If you look at the last world cup s korea was one of the fittest teams and made the semis.  Another important aspect to look at is the psychological aspect of the game.  It is interesting to look at professional sports and see that for the most part, players are on a pretty even field as far as ability is concerned.  What separates the great from everyone else is their mental makeup or how well they prepare psychologically.  Team spirit/unity is also vital to succeed.  Prime example being the US in 98 and then the US in 02.  Obviously it is important to have players with the ability to be a game changer with their skill on the ball.  Another important point to look at is the ability of the manager to make correct decisions in who to play and how to play against various opponents.  These tactical shifts provide that team with a slight edge, such as when Bruce Arena played Caudio Reyna at right mid against Mexico in 02 to neutralize their attack on that side and to counter in the space vacated by their outside mid and back.  It worked as we scored from a cross from the right side in which Reyna was instrumental.
334307
Woooo! I'm actually amazed by your comments, listen before moving to the Us I love this country for everything from sports to economics and even politics. if you are a voter please try and make sure that better people rule your country, it will be a nice start! I was saddened by the decline in result of your basket ball team but you almost make me regret it. You one of those guys thinking that your country is actually bigger than the world, well watch out we will be surprised sooner than you believe. now let talk soccer, you might be better than you were 20, 10 5 years ago but please you rank 4th and what else anyway let's see what you will do against Italy the 12th ranked country and Ghana the 50th ranked team. Just think and tell what quality opponents you played against the past 10 years and remind us the scores also. shoot, you can not even play base ball against others nations and suddenly you are good in soccer, pleaeaeaeaeazzzzzzzzzzzzz
366943
Since I am avid USA fan (let us not mention Iran-USA since I am in therapy to overcome the US performance in France 98) and I have lived in Mexico and seen how crappy the fans are toward the US (and it is nice the we now kick their "culos" most of the time).  I would hope that Iran kicks the living crap out of Mexico and send them to a humiliating defeat as the US did in Japan-Korea 2002.  Go Iran!  (con disculpas a los aficionados del "Tri")
417283
I think And hope that the USA will suprise everyone. I saw a couple of exhibition matches and they did quite well.\n\nAs far as underdogs go "... On any given day the one who wins is the one who came to play"
894658
US Soccer has clearly improved over the past 15 years.They are a nation that should be expected to qualify out of their confederation (CONCACAF) every World Cup.\n\nThey are not on the level of top European national teams ,such as Italy,France,and Germany,despite their unmerited Top 5 ranking before the World Cup..They will be a bet for an upset result against these teams in a World Cup finals match only if the European side overlooks them.\n\nIf Juergen Klinsmann is hired as National team coach,he could bring them a step forward,as he would play younger players -as opposed to forme manager Bruce Arena who in  2006 counted too much on players who were well past their sell-by date.\n\nOne further note- if MLS becomes a full 16-team league with a solid pro academy system at each club,the USMNT will improve greatly in my opinion.Maybe they can then be considered a Top 15 National Team as opposed to their current Top 16-30 placing.
1046785
Hey there Clive,\n\nI agree with you. The Australian side has gone through many years of flatness but has also undergone a period of growth and development which now seens to be coming together. Their attitude of it's not over till it's over saw an incredible rise in determination in their game against Japan. They continued to play and perform as a team. Add to those you mentioned Brett Emerton and John Aloisi and there is definite potential there to put up an acceptable challenge to Brazil and Croatia, who are both great sides. A win against Brazil would be fantastic but if they can contain them from not scoring goals well that is positive also. I think the key will be for Guus to play them in positions they excel in. Changes or corrections can't be made against Brazil as late in the game as they were V's Japan. When players were played back in their accepted positions the team performed far better. They are no walk overs anymore. They have talent and loads of untapped potential.\n\nCan I just add losing to Brazil, if that is the outcome, is nothing to be ashamed of and I will be proud of them no matter what happens. They could just provide a couple of the biggest upsets of the tournament. Let's hope so anyway.
1126996
It's possible, but not likely.\n\nThey move the ball well.  They're fast.  They have great control.  They may not have the experience to beat a team like Brazil.  Dont get caught up over they hype.  They made international fame by upseting the Cze Rep, but the US team was not much of a team to begin with.
1082688
No, I don't think so. I mean, in 2002, they got to the Quarter Finals, so they're pretty  good. Even though they've never won, can you blame them? In America, soccer ( football ) is not the biggest sport played. It is Baseball, Football, and Basketball. The US soccer league ( MLS ) is not as big and rich as the NBA, or the NFL or the MLB, so you can't really get much fame off of it. In my opinion, USA should keep on trying and may eventually get to the finals.
330569
I HOPE S.A.WILL ACHIEVE THAT.\nAUSSIES MAY BE THE RUNNERS-UP.\n{THIS ANSWER IS NOT INSPIRED FROM THE WORLD RECORD WIN.}
137734
I'd prefer to know the USA TEAM!!!!!!!!
1003943
I wish they did. I loved the way they played in their game against Japan especially in the last 15 min. It was exciting to watch, but it was against Japan. Japan is not exactly a top notch soccer country. When it comes to Brazil, things change. These players breath, drink, and eat soccer. They are talented and good all around. I would really like to say they have a chance, but reason tells me otherwise. Yet, you never know.
1130443
they have a brazil comercial, but US was a 5th seed theyd probbally do better in a diff. group but we got stuck with the "group of death" in 4 years we'll do better.\n\nBUT, they had the comercial because we exceeds everyones expectations for the 02 WC. or thats what i think
1129538
of course more confident\n3-0 to ghana who beat czech and usa.\njapan a great comeback after 1 goal down.\ndefinietly better
1135119
USA talks big.. play dirty.. but still cant score...hahahaha
371116
Though the Americans are better then people might think, I can't see them going far. Although the yanks are ranked in the top 5, they drew a killer group. They have to win the group because if they finish second, they most likely will meet Brazil in the second round. They'll play fine but probably won't go passed the second round.
255282
Don't worry. No need to watch. We can see the result. the USA wins. Even if Korea is stronger than the USA, the USA is going to win with unfairness!! Now I can understand WBC is of the USA, by the USA, and for the USA. Change the name of WBC into USABC!!