Along with England, when the World Cup draw took place last December, the USA were probably thinking they got off quite easy.
Well, think again, my American friends. I come bearing bad news. I don't reckon the USA will make it past the group stages of this World Cup.
So, following on from my previous writings, I've made it pretty clear England will come top. And to preview future writings, I reckon Algeria or Slovenia will come second.
Why not the USA? Well, for several reasons.
Their attacking players are inexperienced and those with experience aren't in form. Key attacker Landon Donovan has scored two club goals this year. Mind you, this does seem to be a bit of an emerging trend for a lot of countries; key attackers not scoring...
Their recent form would suggest they've got a struggle ahead of them. An unconvincing, narrow win over Turkey and a heavy loss to unqualified Czech Republic haven't done much to convince their Group C opponents that they'll pose a serious threat.
Still, recent comments from the USA camp would suggest they're pretty confident of advancing... Clint Dempsey believes that more urgency in getting and keeping the ball will improve their game: "The most important thing is possession. If you have not got it you are running yourself ragged and then, in those circumstances, when you do get it you are not able to do much with it". That is absolute genius for you, right there.
At any rate, a bad performance at this year's World Cup may effect their chances of hosting a World Cup in 2018/2022. Which is good for us. Unless FIFA want to do their reverse logic world cup giving thing, in which case in might be better if they advance!
Even Our Lord Guus has claimed that the USA don't pose a threat. "[England] are at a higher level", he claimed earlier this week.
My prediction? USA fans, don't bother buying your Round of 16 tickets. It ain't gonna happen.
(Please note: This was written before the USA's clash against Australia. My opinion may have been altered by this match which, at the time of writing was yet to be played)
