During the WC draw show Balboa and Wynalda both stated that they truly believed that the US could win this WC. I too believe that they have the talent though it would take some luck down the stretch. Not that we are the most talented side in the world but if Arena has this team ready and all holes filled, why not? Hit a hot streak and ride through the title game. Unlikely yeah, but possible indeed.
Yeah, sure, anything's possible. Look at South Korea in WC2002. They had a good squad, a great coach and home crowd support, not to mention a couple very fortunate calls/no calls, and they were nearly finalists. If you compare the level of talent in the US team now to when Celo and Waldo played in the 90's, there is a remarkable difference. There's a difference, too, in coaching -- Arena has experience over those previous coaches. From that perspective, were a couple lucky breaks to fall in the US's favor, they could go far. But realistically, (assuming they get out of their group) unless they finish first, what are the chances of the US beating Brazil in a meaningful game? If they do finish first and don't have to face Brazil, they'll still get Croatia, Japan or Australia. If that goes well, they'd have to go through France, or Ukraine, possibly? Who knows? After that, they'd end up against one of the best 4-8 teams in the tournament. I'm optimistic about the US's chances, but let's not talk about going all the way. In that respect, I think Balboa and Wynalda are talking hyperbole... but that's what they get paid for, isn't it?
they both said usa was a contender... that was before the draw... what wynalda needs is the go over how he got his red card in the czech match in 1990... couldn't handle the physical play, so he retaliated....
No. As "expert" analysts it was retarded to call the USA as contenders over Germany and France. This has been discussed thouroughly in a thread that I started before though.
Honestly if the US manages to do the very difficult and win it's group, the knockout draw will open up very nicely at least until the semis.
"Nicely" as in: Pick your poison. No matter what, the US isn't vastly superior to anybody in the field, except for the following: 1. teams suffering from internal strife 2. A UEFA team or 2 to be determined on the field, at the Cup 3. About 2-3 African teams to be determined on the field, at the Cup 4. About 2-3 Asian teams to be determined on the field, at the Cup. And really, only SK has a chance to qualify for round 2 b/c of the relatively weak group. 5. At least 1 SoAm team to be determined on the field, at the Cup. 6. teams w/ key injuries, suspensions W/ the exception of #6 (which we won't know until the time comes) and SK, none of these teams will qualify for round 2, let alone the quarterfinals. Every match is going to be a dog-fight.