Calm down I'm not a troll... I'm italian but I have this deep simpathy for the United States' soccer team. I really believe that they are the "new soccer nation" because they have an enormous potential.. their country is made up of every ethnic group. So this makes me think that there *must* be at least 22 men out of 300 millions of people that do know how to play soccer. I made a "symbolic" bet of 100€ with my friend that by World Cup 2022 the United States of America will have won the World Cup or at least achieved the final They believe that no matter what, they will never become serious contenders because they lack tradition and that they should go back to play more "american" sports. I firmly believe that the day will come when the US team will be "feared" just as today a team fears Brazil, Italy, Argentina and so on (and that maybe we will see an intercontinental cup final featuring some MLS teams). So what do you think? Will 20 years be enough time? Only time can tell.
20 years is enough time for the US to be good enough to challenge for a WC title. Whether we do it or not...there's a lot of luck involved - just as one example, Spain should have been in 2002 semis, and they have the talent, but they always seem to come up short. I think you have a 50-50 chance of winning your 100 euros. I really hope you do!
Welcome to the boards! I've gotta tell you I burst out laughing when I read the line above. Classic. Anyway, here's the thing ... It's impossible to know. Twenty years is a long time. If things keep going as they've gone the last ten years in the USA then there's a good chance that the Yanks would be real contenders. Indeed, that may happen sooner if we can repeat our 2002 performance in the years to come. The problem in this logic, however, is that there are quite a number of emerging soccer nations who are going to be every bit as competetive as the USA. Look at Japan today against France. They were phenomenal. Who's to say they won't win the World Cup in twenty years. The point is that I think several of the soccer minnows are growing up. The USA is among them. And so while it's possible - even probable - that the USA will be good enough to win the World Cup within the next 10 to twenty years I suspect over that same period of time the World Cup is going to become even more difficult to win. The field of great teams is growing. Just ask Argentina and Portugal.
You could just as easily ask this same question about any footballing country in the world. But what gets me is the fact that so many people seem to think America are becoming some great footballing nation and will win the world cup soon (Some idiots even suggesting 2006, yeah right. Keep dreaming). What, is the rest of the worlds football going backwards while only America's is going forward or something?
Not gonna say no, not gonna say yes, but if the US want to reach the finals and win a WC in 10 or 20 years from now, well they have to work very hard at it.
Sorry......NO! I will put it in a simplistic answer.....NO! They will qualify as usual (no suprise who they play) but will challenge other nations in the second round but.........NO
I'd say you have a 20% chance of winning that bet, but I think there's a better-than-half chance that the US will be in a semifinal by 2022. The number of serious contenders is growing. In the 50s and 60s there were never more than two or three teams at any single World Cup who had any real chance of winning it. In 2002, however, pre-WC predictions to win it all included Argentina, France, Brazil, Italy, and Portugal, with dark horses including Spain and England... and as the tournament played out Germany proved to be good enough to contend for the title and Turkey and South Korea fully deserved their places in the semifinals. By 2022 I would not be surprised to see at least 8 countries considered "real contenders." I don't think the United States will ever be feared like Brazil, Argentina, and Italy are today, but not because the United States won't be as good. The overall standard of international play is still rising, and by 2022 I would not be surprised to see 20 or more countries thinking they're good enough to take points from Brazil, as compared to less than a dozen today. On the other hand, if Pelé ever picks us to win a World Cup, expect to see us go out in the first round, just like everyone else he picks.
Here's to hope. There is a 25% chance. Let's see, the US has 06, 10, 14, 18, 22. That five tournaments. If MLS is growing and popular with the American fans, then more players will want to be a soccer player instead of baseball, football, or basketball player. If this happens, then the US could be a real contender for the Championship. (if soccer is as big as basketball, then US could be the new Brazil of soccer).
Brazil? No chance, you dont have the skill, charisma or the flair in your football at all to ever be compared to the likes of Brazil. Germany? England? Yes. American football is based on tactics, technique, and team play, it doesnt utilise individual skill and talent.
There is a huge gap between Germany and England. Putting both on the same level doesn`t show knowledge of this game.
Good point. There's at least a 4-goal gap However Germany are improving and may be able to compete with England in a few years' time.
You make me smile, my english friend. Beckham is a star in the english team, that shows the quality of England!
I`ve heard Jancker is a sex-symbol now in Japan. Impossible Heskey looks better.. __________ Germany: -- Winner 1954 FIFA World Cup Switzerland -- Winner 1974 FIFA World Cup West Germany -- Winner 1990 FIFA World Cup Italy -- Runner-up 1966 FIFA World Cup England -- Runner-up 1982 FIFA World Cup Spain -- Runner-up 1986 FIFA World Cup Mexico -- Runner-up 2002 FIFA World Cup Korea/Japan -- 3rd 1934 FIFA World Cup Italy -- 3rd 1970 FIFA World Cup Mexico -- 4th 1958 FIFA World Cup Sweden -- Quarter-final 1962 FIFA World Cup Chile -- Quarter-final 1994 FIFA World Cup USA -- Quarter-final 1998 FIFA World Cup France -- Winner UEFA European Championship Belgium 1972 -- Winner UEFA European Championship Italy 1980 -- Winner UEFA European Championship England 1996 -- Runner-up UEFA European Championship Yugoslavia 1976 -- Runner-up UEFA European Championship Sweden 1992 -- Semi-final UEFA European Championship West Germany 1988 __________ England -- Champion 1966 FIFA World Cup England -- 4th 1990 FIFA World Cup Italy -- Quarter-final 1954 FIFA World Cup Switzerland -- Quarter-final 1962 FIFA World Cup Chile -- Quarter-final 2002 FIFA World Cup Korea/Japan -- 3rd UEFA European Championship Italy 1968 -- Semi-final UEFA European Championship England 1996 __________ That should be my sig!
I was talking about style of play, not quality and achievement. Not realising this shows you dont understand the similarites concerning team play, technique etc as opposed to utilising individual talent and skill.
You english can be really annoying. There is no real similarity in style of play. Ok. Perhaps since Sven is their coach they try to play a more continental style but regarding history England and all the British including Ireland had their own style. Its called kick and rush!
... Mod's Note ... What's the topic of this thread again? Please remind me as I've forgotten now amid all this off-topic banter.
Where is the "England World Champions in 20 years time?" thread? Or for that matter, Spain, Holland, Portugal, Colombia....... Personally, I'd be happy if the US qualified for next 5 WCs. I'd like to think we can hit the 2nd round better than half of the time we do qualify. And I dream of a semi appearance in 20 years, but I wouldn't bet on it. With any luck the Euro will be scrapped in 20 years and you won't have to pay off that bet .
Pah! Never! Ok. Back to the topic. 20 years are a long time. Who thought of France in 1978 to be a World Cup Contender? And then they developed a really fantastic youth system and "schwuppdiwupp" they were World Champions. The US has good condidtions to get fantastic players. But the real question for US Soccer will be if the MLS will grow to a very good level. A home league that works is essential!
I think you don´t understand what "schwuppdiwupp" means, I mean on a intellectual and historical basis.