Ghana was the only team to defeat the US MNT in 2010 and needed overtime to do it. They surprised us last time but not this time. Revenge for 2010 will be sweet.
I suppose if we have to play Germany it is nice to have a coach who knows them better then anyone else. I like our chances here. I may be wrong but I don't think it ever gets warmer in Germany than the coldest day in Brazil. Germany will have 60 minutes to win the game but the final 30 minutes will be ours.
I expect Portugal to be Portugal populated by lots of very skilled, very able players who will underperform and leave their fans wondering why the land of port wine and corks never seems to produce like their neighbors do. Portugal may advance but it will be at Germany's expense not the US.
Until FIFA changes the format of the draw, the US will always have extremely difficult group. I don't see that ever happening because this format ensures that at least one of the finalists is from Europe. (they secretly hope for both)
ReplyDeleteGame 1 v Ghana
We are a vastly different team from the ones Ghana defeated in the past . We can build from the back, keep possession and create chances from multiple areas on the pitch. African teams don't beat teams like that. The game ends in a draw 0-0.
Game 2 v Portugal
Germany easily defeats Portugal in their first group game matchup. Because that's what Germany does. Portugal now desperately needs a win against the US but Bradley, Donovan, Dempsey, and Altidore catch the Portugese on a counterattack to level the game and it ends in a 1-1 draw.
Game 3 v Germany
Germany is 2-0 after defeating Ghana, because that's what Germany does. The Germans have already won the group regardlesss of the final game against the US. Loew does his buddy Klinsmann a favor, perhaps rests a player or 2 and the US draw, if not win. Portugal and Ghana draw in the other game and the US advances with 3 draws.