by NICK SALES Staff Writer
With the World Cup just recently starting, the anticipation for the United States’ first game is only increasing.
American culture has led us to strongly believe that our teams must always win. That should not be the case with the World Cup this year because the American soccer team is not very good.
Although the U.S has made significant strides over the past few years under head coach Jurgen Klinsmann, they are far from being a title contender.
The U.S is by no means lucky either, after being drawn into the “Group of Death” with Portugal, Germany, and Ghana.
Freshman Siddarth Mammidi said, “I hope the U.S can make it out of the group of death. It will be difficult.”
Their first game against Ghana is crucial if they wish to advance out of the group because of how difficult it will be to get a win against such world class teams as Germany and Portugal.
Portugal poses a real threat with Cristiano Ronaldo, voted the world’s best soccer player this past season, and skillful Manchester United winger Nani. They also will not be easy to break down defensively with two bruising center-backs in Real Madrid’s Pepe and Fenerbache’s Bruno Alves.
Their midfield has the potential to be very good, with Monaco midfielder Joao Moutinho, a world class midfielder, leading the way along with veteran and former Chelsea midfielder Raul Miereles.
The wild card that could potentially take Portugal to another level is William Carvalho. The Sporting Lisbon up-and-coming midfielder has caught the eye of many, including huge teams such as Manchester United being reportedly very interested in signing the 22-year old.
The German’s are a major title contender that Klinsmann is probably trying to emulate. I mean, who would not want to emulate their success? They have won three World Cups in their glorious history.
The Germans are well-equipped for a long tournament run this year with many attackers, a strong midfield, and a solid defense. The stars of their team including Mesut Ozil of Arsenal, and Thomas Muller, Philip Lahm and Manuel Neuer of Bayern Munich.
Freshman Patrick Nolan said, “I doubt the U.S will make it out of the group with Germany and Portugal in the way.”
Besides the two giants of the group, the U.S have to contend with Ghana, arguably the strongest team in Africa, who have multiple players to look out for, including Asamoah Gyan and Kwadwo Asamoah of Juventus.
Ultimately, if the U.S national team wants to get out of the group stage, they have to keep their hopes up and morale high.
Coach Klinsmann must not have gotten the memo on keeping his teams hopes up. He recently acknowledged people’s doubts about the team by saying the team does not have a chance to win the World Cup.
I am glad someone is being realistic because, to be honest, the U.S does not have a talented enough squad to keep up with Germany, Portugal, and Ghana. I predict the U.S will not get out of the group. Sorry to all of the hopeful U.S fans.
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