Every four years, the World Cup is watched by almost a billion people in homes, bars and other public venues. Around the globe, the beautiful game offers the opportunity for a large fraction of the world’s population to sing and cheer for their nation. Since the United States is in the World Cup, its every-four-years fans might want to brush up on the facts.
Can the United States win the World Cup?
Playing in the “group of death” with teams like Portugal, Germany and Ghana, the US proceeding past the group stages will be no easy task. All three teams have brilliant players on top-notch club teams but also operate well as an aggregate team. Even if the US manages to escape group stages, the team may not have the depth to compete with teams like Spain, Brazil, or even Belgium.
Though striker Jozy Altidore has had an amazing run of form with the US national team, scoring eight goals in 14 appearances in 2013, Altidore has had a horrific season with relegation bound Sunderland, only scoring two goals in 35 appearances. Stars Clint Dempsey and Michael Bradley, have moved from top teams to MLS squads. It is uncertain how the weaker competition but increased playing time will affect their international performances.
The last major narrative comes from how Landon Donovan fits into the equation. He and brilliant tactician, Jürgen Klinsmann, have had their spells of disagreement, however it is undeniable that Donovan, at 32, is and continues to be the greatest player in U.S. Men’s National Team history.
Other teams have players, who have resumes as long as Sergio Ramos’ discipline record (soccer fans know what I’m talking about). The USMNT, on the other hand does not have a single world-class star. They rely on a solid team dynamic and excellent coaching. Their stars align when they are on the pitch together. Yes they are underdogs, but we as fans wouldn’t have it any other way.
The Potential Dark Horse
Germany, Brazil and Spain are naturally the favorites based on their talent pool and excellent coaching. Though not making the trip to South Africa in 2010, Belgium has developed into quite the team in the past four years. The sheer abundance of diverse Champions League quality talent thrusts them into the conversation. Eden Hazard (LW, Chelsea) is like a median income man’s Neymar. He can maneuver his way through a screen door without touching a wire. The rock that holds the Belgian team together is captain, Vincent Kompany (CB, Manchester City). Kompany is the indubitable muscle that bullies top class strikers off the ball. The quality is obvious on this team. However, the only thing that can prevent them from making a run in the tournament is themselves. Will the pressure be too much for the young team or will their confidence push them to heights they were never allowed to strive for?
Other dark horses: Chile, Colombia, England and Switzerland
Who is the Player to watch?
Any person who owns a television already knows to look out for Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo and Wayne Rooney. Though they are top players, their peak performances have not emerged on the World’s stage. One player who achieves with his club as well as his country and is eerily off the radar of the general public is Yaya Toure (MF Ivory Coast). He is the most endeared player on one of the World’s most hated teams (Manchester City). For club and country, he is the brain and the brawn of the midfield. Watching him gain momentum on a slaloming run is like overlooking an elephant lead a stampede. His tree trunk thighs caution you from challenging him when the ball is at his feet, but his twig like calves remind you that he is capable of switching direction if you get too close. Any observer, regardless of soccer IQ, can understand his intelligence, power and grace.
Other Players to Watch
Marco Reus (MF Germany), Sergio Aguero (ST Argentina), Diego Costa (ST Spain), Paul Pogba (MF France), Arjen Robben (RW Netherlands), Daniel Sturridge (ST England), Luka Modric (MF Croatia), Xherdan Shaqiri (MF Swizterland).
