World Cup in Less than One Week

World Cup 2010 in South Africa starts on Friday, and I am excited! The U.S. is in a group that is favorable for them advancing out of group play. However, to do so, they must not play like many U.S. teams have in most of recent history once they reach the tournament stage. The U.S. tends to play one great game, one average game, and one mediocre game. We need two good games and one average game to get through. Otherwise, we'll be packing our bags and headed home after pool play. With the talent that this team has, there is no question that they should advance into the round of 16. Quite possibly, with a good break, we might even make it to the round of 8. The semi-finals are highly unlikely, and the final is probably out of the question. Then again, sports are notoriously unpredictable, and at this level, just about any team can beat any other on a given day. So, if we play well, we have a chance to progress a ways. If not, it will be like World Cup 2002 all over again.