Soccer Goals: As many of the predictors prognosticated that the USMNT would likely face the strongest of each pots (Spain, Brazil, Portugal, France, and or Ivory Coast), the USMNT experienced a little luck of the Irish, a feat that Thierry Heny recently defied with his marvelous hand-juggling play.
Soccer Goals: US Soccer Reaction from Donovan and Coach Bradley
Appearing that the Futbol/Soccer Gods would again favor El Tri (US' CONCACAF greatest rival) when the Red, White, and Green (a.k.a. by US fans as El Try) landed in South Africa's Group A, the culpable and sorrowful Les Bleus created more drama than a Mexican Telenovela, by concluding the group draw with their insertion. To make matters worse, Mexico must face South Africa in the opening game. Talk about pressure. After seeing that draw, many US soccer players, coaches, and supporters breathed a sigh of relief, knowing that the Gruoup A draw was not as simple as many had originally expected.
Could this be the time? The USMNT receives a favorable draw, one that exudes confidence and the likelihood of advancement. But buyer beware, England, Slovenia, and Algeria will not concede defeat easily -- this group will prove more difficult than many think.
For many US fans, the dream matchup, England vs USA, conjures up thoughts of silencing English fans, who still believe that the inventors of the game are light years ahead of US Soccer. A heaping helping of overconfidence, a dash of arrogance, and a smidge of ignorance exemplifies many of the English mindset, those who believe that their group phase will consist of two cupcakes and a bagel, two teams that are sweet and one that is easily digestable.
Roaring jubilation were heard from several pubs broadcasted live by Sky Sports which caught footage of England supporters, chanting Easy, Easy, Easy. Although the Three Lions do boast a talented team that breezed through qualification, underestimating your opponents could lead to a subtle reminder, that England's fame stems from their top league where many of the best foreigners plye their trade. In short, the White and Red still need to improve their game to rise to the top of world soccer.
Anything less than group C dominance will leave England fans distraught and nervous about their chances heading into the group stages. The England National team must bear the weight and pressure for the next six months of being Group C's "Top Dog", dealing with the constant media and overzealous fan expectations. Historically, England start the group phases on auto pilot: Many hope that their copilot will not malfunction against the American underdogs.
Moving on to the other opponents, Ageria and Slovenia, team that will hope to inflict punishment to either of the more notable teams in group C for undermining and disrespecting their sides. Slovenia finished second place in qualifying behind Slovakia, while qualifying against a Guus Hidnik-lead Russian side that underestimated their opponents, losing in the playoff series.
Lurring their opponents to sleep with their organized, compact, and defensive oriented style, Slovenia will provide matchup issues, as the US tend to struggle with strong and physical teams. Although the US lost to Slovakia 1-0 in an unispiring friendly in November, Slovenia will feature a similiar style that looks to catch teams on the break, as they send numbers to break down their defensive fortress.
Algeria, the other formidable Group C opponent, finished qualifying with a 5-1-1 record, eliminating Egypt in a home/home playoff series that witnessed fan violence and an arousing comeback. Although the US did defeat Egypt 3-0 in the Confederations Cup, we must remember that Egypt did defeat Italy and neutralized Brazil before ultimately crumbling in the final minutes. The African Cup Champions were a formidable opponent, but the Algerians deserved to earn their ticket to South Africa. Little is known of their team, which make them an even more dangerous during preparation. In this case, the USMNT could benefit from playing them in the group game, allowing the US staff to conduct additional scouting during the group phase play.
Despite many from the English speaking world believing that this draw favors both countries chances, in a way, it does. However, the disparity between all four teams diminishes on a neutral site, while the unknown sides narrow the gap between the world powers and the emerging nations.
It was a dream draw for the USA, but overconfidence could lead to an early exit if the US do not take their opponents seriously. The same can be said for England, as well.
What do you think of the US' draw? Are you happy about the teams? Will the USMNT defeat England? Share your thoughts.
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