I semi-agree with the underdog statement, as the world has never seen such an amazingly constructed team. The world no longer winks when the coach says "Next match: USA!", they grimace with a fear that lurks in all of them. Though the group the US has been placed in is tough, they will prevail, and I expect to see them at least at the quarters

i think you are somewhat building the US up though, i believe the US will advance out of the group but that will take some luck and some amazing games from beasley, donovan, mcbride, and reyna, also they will need their role players like mastroeni to fill in and carry part of the load, if this happens then the US stands to be in the tournament for a long run, the only thing that worries me is the defense, eddie pope is aging but hopefully onyewu and cherundolo will help minimize his ineptness, sorry to rag on eddie im a big fan of his but i think his time as an elite player might be over, it would be great for him to prove me wrong though, although the group seems tough, and is, the czechs are aging, italy is in the midst of a scandal and had a poor lead up to the cup, and ghana may not be ready for the big stage... GO USA!!!!

I think that the united state is not strong team for the other soccer powers such as italy and the Czech republic.The usa team i think will only beat ghana an thats if they are Lucky, because the african team as grown strength from year to year erning them a spot in the world cup.So watch out usa because this time you wont eaven get past the qualifying rounds.

please dont tell me that you guys think the USA team has more soccer strenght that ITALY OR CZECH REPUBLIC OR even GHANA.
I strongly disagree with all of you guys because the united states team should even be ranked 5th on the fifa rankings.Come on the usa team has no chance what so ever,their players are old and untalented.

You say that because you're a mexico fan SALGADO! Yeah the USA got screwed with their group and theirs a chance they won't even make it out of the first round. But that can happen to anybody as it happened to France in 2002. So we can all talk about whats going to happen, but their is always going to be some huge upsets. And being a USA fan, i hope they do upset, and how can you call their players untalented and old? What about donovan, beasley, onyewu, CONVEY, johnson? Those players are untallented and old right? 24 being the oldest player out of all of those is old? I hope im not watching the same team as you!

The USA does have a great chance do advance despite what some people say. in my thoughts world power italy will most that likly win the group with the USA in second. the USA has a world of talent as shown by how many of our players are going over seas. i dont see the USA winning the cup but i can see them reaching the final 8. i do also hope the USA plays mexico again and beats them just like they did in 2002. anyone who says the USA has no chance at anything needs to open their eyes and look at whats going on in the soccer world especially with who the top teams are staring to become!

The US has an extremely tough group, no doubt about it. Many consider it the toughest group in the competition this year, but old and untalented? Hardly. Compare them to their competition in the group, and talent may be debatable considering some of the world class stars of Italy and the Czech Republic, but they are not at all old as a team by comparison. Check the facts... The US is younger in average than Italy age by a full year, and by more than 2 years as compared to the aging Czech team. That is a considerable difference when comparing averages for the full roster (not to mention 2 of the oldest US players, Keller and Hahnemann, are keepers where age is widely considered a benefit at this level). Ghana is younger, but age in Ghana's case equals inexperience.

Maybe some of their well known players are older like Reyna, Keller, Pope and McBride. Though even that is deceiving. Negate Keller's age since he plays in goal and is in amazing form right now. McBride had a good year overall at Fulham, and has been in solid goal scoring form in the recent friendlies. Reyna has injury questions, but has looked solid when he's been on the pitch. Pope is a little past his prime admittedly, but when paired with the young strong Onyewu, less of a risk.

So that's the older contingent, let's talk young players... Landon Donovan: 24 years old and loads of experience at this level. Beasley: ditto. Onyewu: 24 and bigger, stronger and faster than most players on most teams. Dempsey: 23, brash young and creative. Bobby Convey: 23, experienced in Europe and fearless. Eddie Johnson: 24 with blazing pace.

So subjective points such as comparative talent, I'll give you are arguable and obviously the Czechs and Italians have it in spades. Untalented however, I will not concede, considering many of these players have both European and World Cup experience, with success in both. And saying they are old is actually just false compared to their peers.

I am the first to agree that advancing from this group is a tall order. Even Ghana being low team on the totem pole is no pushover, but the US is capable with a little luck in the offensive end.

The United States is very good team and i wish all the best for them and i hope one day ill be one of the players.

i think the USA will make it all the way to the semi-finals of this years world cup.the US has a lot of good players like Donovan,Beasly,Keller,Johnson, and Dempsey.Although the US failed to advance to the semi-finals in 2002 they beat Portugal and Mexico and lost to Germany by only 1 point in the quartefinals.I think the USA will surprise everybody this year and most likely make it to the semi-finals.
GO USA!!!!

The truth is that the U-S-of-A will sooner or later become one of the worlds best national teams!
THE USA WILL SHOW NO MERCY!!!

the US will top the group, beat Croatia, then beat the swiz, then make it to the semi's, we will beat the english, make it to the finals and beat brazil 1-0!

THE USA IS BACK< LETS GET READY TO ROLL

FORZA USA USA USA USA!!!!

USA WILL TOP THE GROUP, THEN THE ITALIENS WILL COME NEXT.

USA is improving dramatically but we arent good enough to compete with European sides (remember 4-1 loss vs Germany a few months back). Dont get me wrong, USA is getting alot better but we wont make it out of Group E.

I STRONGLY BELIEVE THAT THE USA WILL MAKE IT TOO THE FINALS IF WE TOP GROUP E. BY TOPPING THE GROUP WE CAN BEAT ANYBODY AND I MEAN ANYBODY!

the U.S. has a good chance to make it to the nest round because they like a team they don;t have no stars and I think that will lead them very close to the world cup

How can you talk about a 4-1 loss to germany, when the US had maybe 2 or 3 really starters in that game. That was a game klinsman had to win, so he put his real starters in. And lets not forget the US held them scoreless in the first half. Chances that the US get out of group E don't look good on paper, but they have something to prove to world. And thats that they can play with anybody. All we can do is wait and see what happens. Im not saying they will get out of the first round, but i sure hope they do.

USA ALL THE WAY!
I think the US team has the talent to prove everyone wrong this year. They will win their group and go on to the final game
GO USA!

Go Usa you are playing for your country just remeber it is just a game win or lose you will always be a great team don't let Czech Republic intimidate you go out and play your best

DON'T TREAD ON US..............

USA wont make it to the next round! They will lose to Italy and the Czech Republic, maybe beat Ghana but it will be to late. The US has no chance.

VIVA MEXICO!!!!
USA have no chance. You guys are all so happy that USA beat Mexico in the last world cup because you guys hope that some day the US could be half as good as Mexico.

The us just got luky that game

GO USA! LETS DEMONSTRATE HOW WE CAN BEAT ANYONE BY PLAYING AS A TEAM!

USA TO THE FINALS!!!
USA WILL TOP THE GROUP AND WILL PLAY BRAZIL IN THE FINALS! WOOOO HOOOOOOOOOOO

USA!USA!USA!USA!
PURE DOMINANCE

im sorry to all you U.S fans but i dont think they will make it to the next round. They do have a slight chance though. Im not a r because i want them to go farther but in two more world cups thats when they will be the true contenders.

The U.S has a lot of talented young guys like Eddie Johnson, i hope he will shine in the World Cup.

OUR PROUDNESS OF THE DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE HAS LEAD UP TO THIS W.C. WE AS AMERICANS ARE UNITED AND MORE CIVILIZED IN THE GAME.IT WILL LEAD TO GLORY ON THE PITCH.
WE ARE THE EAGLES OF FREEDOM AND WILL FLY AWAY WITH THE PROUDNESS OF THE GOLDEN TROPHY!!

GO USA!

I'll be surprised if they make it to the second round. Best of luck to the Americans, believe me they're gonna need it!

USA ALL THE WAY!
I think the US team has the talent to prove everyone wrong this year. They will win their group and go on to the final game
GO USA!
AMY

I think that the 2 teams that will move on will be Czech and Italy. Although it will be interesting to see what happens, and how far the US will get.

This US team has a lot of talent and potential much more than the 2002 team had. Therefore call me crazy but i believe that they can suprise The Czech Republic and beat them and at least get a tie with Italy and they should beat Ghana. If that happens they could go second in the group and mostlikely face Brazil if that happens they can give Brazil a scare just like they did to Germany four years ago. That if it wasnt for a blown call they should have at least tied the game and that could have change history.But for me i will be please with the US if they go furhter than Mexico who really luck out by getting a very soft group.

i'm with eric! who else?

THERE IS ONLY ONE TEAM IN THE WORLD.THE USA!!!!!! IT TRAINS WITH THE REST OF THE WORLD

I think if USA can get past that tough group that they could get experience and perhaps improve enought to make a strong push in the second phase. MY HEART IS WITH YOU USA, MY HEART IS WITH YOU, GO USA!!!!!

I think that if we can get trought this tough group that we might get some experience. It could make us a better team so that we can be better prepared for a strong push in the second phase. GO USA GO USA!!!!!

I don't think that the US is good enough to beat the Czech team. Although they might beat the Italians because they aren't doing to good

DON'T TREAD ON US..............

WE ARE THE EAGLES OF FREEDOM AND WILL FLY AWAY WITH THE PROUDNESS OF THE GOLDEN TROPHY!!

GO USA!

...so says this american game...

The one thing I hope for above all, I hope the referees don't JACK UP the tournament like they did 4 years ago (see S. Korea vs Italy, S. Korea vs Spain, USA vs Germany).

My chant all through Germany " BRAZIL ... BRAZIL ... BRAZIL!" 'Cause I know they are going to win it like they always do! come on Ronaldo,Ronalihno,Robihno. Thats the real tri

MEXICO AND BRASIL ARE BETTER AND THE OTHER TEAMS ARE BETTER THEN THE USA! THE USA MENS THE SUCKS!

YOU GUYS DONT PLAY THAT GOOD YOU BETER WORK HARDER

Get over mexico, they couldn't beat hollands worldcup subs. What makes you think they will meet brazil or for that matter beat, portugal? Both the US and Mexico arn't that good compaired to the worlds most powerful teams, but their are always upsets in the world cup. So if Mexico was better than the US and was as good as you say they are SaNCHES, why did the United States top CONCACAF and send Mexico out of the 2002 world cup? You can talk all you want how mexico was better than the States for a long time, but point is the States are better now and have been for the past four years and thats what matters. Past accomplishments mean nothing now at Germany. I don't blame you mexican fans though, i would be furious too. But don't go talking and saying mexico is going to win the world cup. Thats just not possible, they might have the will to win, but they need more tallented players, just like the States do. England will end their 40 year curse and win in Germany.

UsA will be champs!!!!

WIN IT ALL USA!

Anybody who says that the USA will go all the way, obviously knwos nothing about international futball(soccer) and anybody who says ghana will beat the USA knows nothing about international futball. Ghana will by far be the worst in the group. Its a wonder how they made it to the world cup after their performance in the African Cup. If USA pulls off a lucky win agaisnt Italy, the best they will do is come in second behind Czech and then they will play Brazil in the first elimination round and lose for sure. USA has no hope this world cup.

some of you people have no fath in you countrys team. My team is of course the USA team and i wish them all the luck. you people who say the USA sucks. PS the games havent even started and they will not end the way some people want but im a soccer player and theres one thing i stick with is "you have beleave in your team and also have to have the heart(love) for the game to". so all you who are saying bad things how way dont you just take those ideas and jucements and save they for the vary end of the WORLD CUP because every team that makes it to the WorldCup is good in my book. So who ever wins i give them my congrates and the losers just need to practice more.

i think american soccer will convey the art of futbol,its clean,tough,quick,and strong. when hwen i was a kid i wanted to play on the pitch with pele and muller.now i watch landon and josh bring back the game FUTBOL.

dont tread USA

i think american soccer will convey the art of futbol,its clean,tough,quick,and strong. when hwen i was a kid i wanted to play on the pitch with pele and muller.now i watch landon and josh bring back the game FUTBOL.

Yeah, so what if USA is the eagle of freedom and will fly away. Once you fly too you will get shot and killed by Engalnd or Brazil.

This is quite funny. Patriotism in the US is so blind.

"THERE IS ONLY ONE TEAM IN THE WORLD" pretty much sums up the average american attitude and why most other nations hate them!

Your team has obviously improved a lot over the past few years but I'm afraid it still can't cut it at international level.

Ghana I would expect you to beat, but Italy and CR I doubt very much. Possibly a draw with Italy but that's being generous.

i can only agree with Bert..because it simply is that way-but no one should underestimate GHANA,although their defence is quite chaotic

We truly are underdogs in the art of futbol but i gotta say anythings possible. I think the world standings dont mean anything, and the czech are not as good as the ratings would lead us to believe, so i think we got a good chance at them. The match im worried about is Italy. They got fancy footwork, and some speed down the sides. Even if we dont win the cup (which we probably wont) USA needs to give a good showing, so good luck USA your playin for us all!

Hey Bert, don't judge us all by the rantings of one idiot. I'm sure there are a few outspoken twits where you are from as well.

That being said, I hope our team proves you wrong on the field.

the usa are a great team and have a great chance at winning the fifa world cup. The usa have a lot of talent on the field.

Have any of you payed attention, the czech have like 3 starters that are hopeful, and baros is out for the opening match. That gives the US a huge chance.

The United States is a good team with a lot of depth and they have a good chance but the expectations after 2002 are a little high because they went in as a nobody and Portugal just overlooked them. They have more depth this year than ever before and they also have one of the best keepers in the world in Kasey Keller. There is also a lot of pressure on Donovan and Beasley to perform because of 2002 and the U-17 world championships.

If the US is to make it out of their bracket they will most likely play brasil. Because they would most likely get the 2 seed and the 2 seed for their group plays the 1 seed from Brasil's group.

USA will kick butt in this world cup. forget the "group of death" because we have a group of stars. GO USA. If we play like we did in the send off series we will do spectacular. wait were gunna do spectacular any way cuz were the USA.

Us better hope for a mirical cause this game belongs to the Europeans

No ORANJI!!!!!!!!! This game belongs to the usa

usa usa we will beat the czechs with a goal from eddie j. 3-1

we will top the group. oh yea GO T&T OUR HEARTS ARE WITH YOU. YOU REPRESENTED CONCACAF VERY WELL!!

Landon Donovan will lead the US to the semis

Demarcus Beasley will lead the US to the semis. Bobby Convey will lead the US to the finals. Landon Donovan will lead the US to be #1 in the world

Bri Barnes is wrong about everything. the US will most definantly will win the whole thing

No, Austin is wrong about everything. I never said that US wasn't going to win!

US won't get far the CZechs are way better

U.S.A 3

Mexico,SUCKS, all this mexicans think they are sooooo good ,the best players that they have they aren't mexican , they aither are from Brazil or Argentina , and the coach is from Argentina.So you all better shut up and enjoy it wille so can.GO USA we are the best , even if we don't win we still the best.

lol, everyone that defended the US team put their foots in their mouths

foots, lol

THE USA TEAM ARE RUBBISH
YOU WOULD`T KNOW HOW TO PLAY FOOTBALL IF IT KICK YOU IN THE HEAD
HAHAH 3-0

ENGLAND ENGLAND ENGLAND ENGLAND ENGLAND

My high school soccer team played better than the team that was selected to represent us at the world cup. Who's in charge of selecting the players - - I hope they all get fired. The Czech team made our team look like............ What a huge disappointment !!

bush called to wish us luck, franz b. was there to see the game. what an embarassment that we lost.

LOSERS!

Way to go espn, abc and every other US media market. The US teams have no completed the sports dissapointment trifecta. Baseball, Basketball and now Futball/soccer. I think we should stop playing internationaly all together because we seem to be over hyped,out played and out classed. I bet we hear about how the Team destroys a hotel room breaks some hotel furniture and then parties with the 1998 Olypic Hockey team after losses. Top 5 ranking.....haha... I bet we go 0-3 and finish 32nd in the whole thing. Bruce Arena head needs to be on a platter, way to make our team unispired,lazy, and flatlined for the biggest game in US soccer history......

Uninspired.
Lazy.
Fearful (did you see their eyes).
Manhandled.
Timid.
Need I continue.
None of it has to do with skill. These guys wer e not even ready to play today.
Fire them all and let's get a team that cares.

The USA soccer team's fifa ranking #4 what a joke.....haha..you guy's need to stick to playing a sport you can win @ ie: BASS FISHING.....

they were ranked #5, not #4

us play waz dissapointin today but they'll bounce bac

we shuda kept landon in tha middle of tha park the entire game and we lost cuz of it......THANKS ALOT BRUCE ARENA

i'm goin to antartica to start my own WC soccer team

bush called to wish us luck, franz b. was there to see the game. what an embarassment that we lost.

LOSERS!

thanks a lot basketball, football, hockey, golf, baseball, lacrosse!

I wish someone would leak this to the media in the USA and let them know that this is a country now divided by soccer! We have arrived on the world stage and we are a stong force to be wreckened with. We might not have done so well yesterday lik we would have wanted, but the past is the past. The bubble burst a little early and we just were not up for the game. However, we still stand behind our boys and want them to know we are still cheering for them.
Italy will be a huge game, probably the biggest of the tournament to date for the guys as they need this to advance. We need the strength of the nation to back them up and cheer them on. I know there will be a good US supporters section at this game as it's in K-town Germany! The US Military bases in the area are sure to draw some crowd in support for Team USA.
So to all of you out there who want to bad mouth the USA and say they are old and not talleneted...where is your jersey? Why are you not out there playing in the CUP? Could it be that you are not tallented, or perhaps your to old? You can't say your too young, Pele was only 16, that still makes him a minor! He had been playing for years professionally at that point. Excusses, excusses! No matter, I'm not out there, and your not out there. Point made, now lets get back to soccer.
No matter what team your cheering for, good luck. I happen to think that the US has the ability to go the distance, they just need the support of their nation. We are here on the world stage, now lets show them what we can do. Go Team USA!

Benjamin Nelson
Airman 1st Class
United States Air Force

Posted by: ForzaItalia
"My chant all through Germany " BRAZIL ... BRAZIL ... BRAZIL!" 'Cause I know they are going to win it like they always do! come on Ronaldo,Ronalihno,Robihno. Thats the real tri "
Ok, are you an Italian? why would you cheer for Brazil, you don't even stand behind your own team. Why call yourself ForzaItalia when your cheering for Brazil. What a washout fan you are! Nice going, maybe you should have named yourself Joga Bonito or something that at least sounds Brazilian. Brazil wouldn't want you to cheer for them as an Italian, they would want a Brazilian cheering for them. Good luck anyway, but next time think about what your doing!

This is for Loser :

I agree with what you said,"I happen to think that the US has the ability to go the distance". When the US team decides to play - - I'll support them. Qualifications / requirements to get on the US soccer team were real tough - - we have 20+ players on the US team that have the ability to compete at the World Cup level. Where was that team and what happened ? The passing was bad, there wasn't any drive or follow up. I'll bad mouth any team that shows up and plays like our team did. I love this game - - I want to see a great game, that should be played at this level. It doesn't matter if you lose the game "IF" the team did their best. Thousands of loyal US soccer fans watched that game and got sick - - and what did you see the coach doing - - nothing but sittin on the side line looking like he didn't even care. All the soccer coachs I ever had would have pulled those players off the field and put a foot in their......

To Airman Benjamin Nelson: I hope you and all of your friends make Kaiserslautern a place to remember for our team and a place Italy would like to forget. Thanks for your support and service!

The majority of America's best athletes, with a few notable exceptions, continue to head for the NFL, the NBA and Major League Baseball. The stage might be smaller, but the financial rewards are far greater. Soccer gets the second-tier athletes.

The United States can't say it has moved any closer to the level of Brazil and Argentina when it can't even match the results of Trinidad and Tobago

thanks a lot basketball, football, hockey, golf, baseball,lacrosse!

maybe a miracle like the US olyimpic hockey team in 1980 might help us against italy and ghana!

LETS "DREAM ON" JUST LIKE LED ZEPLINS SONG SUGGESTS!

THE JOY OF BEING AN AMERICAN MUST NOT BE SUNKED DOWN BECAUSE OF A LOST. WE MUST FIGHT AND SUPPORT. FOR I AM SURE WE WILL BEAT ITALY AND GHANA THEN PROBABLY FACE THE BRAZILIANS AND BEAT THEM 1-0. FOR WE HAVE DONE SO, AND WILL STRIVE TO DO IT IN THE WORLD STAGE FOR HISTORY. SUCH A VICTORY WILL MAKE THE USA MORE UNITED THAN EVER. OUR MUSIC, RICH HISTORY, AND SUPPORT WILL BREAK HEARTS THIS SATURDAY!!!

GO USA!!! LETS GET THE SHOW ON THE ROAD

WOOOOOOOOOOO-HOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!

I CAN SMELL VICTORY!

I wish someone would leak this to the media in the USA and let them know that this is a country now divided by soccer! We have arrived on the world stage and we are a stong force to be wreckened with. We might not have done so well yesterday lik we would have wanted, but the past is the past. The bubble burst a little early and we just were not up for the game. However, we still stand behind our boys and want them to know we are still cheering for them.
Italy will be a huge game, probably the biggest of the tournament to date for the guys as they need this to advance. We need the strength of the nation to back them up and cheer them on. I know there will be a good US supporters section at this game as it's in K-town Germany! The US Military bases in the area are sure to draw some crowd in support for Team USA.
So to all of you out there who want to bad mouth the USA and say they are old and not talleneted...where is your jersey? Why are you not out there playing in the CUP? Could it be that you are not tallented, or perhaps your to old? You can't say your too young, Pele was only 16, that still makes him a minor! He had been playing for years professionally at that point. Excusses, excusses! No matter, I'm not out there, and your not out there. Point made, now lets get back to soccer.
No matter what team your cheering for, good luck. I happen to think that the US has the ability to go the distance, they just need the support of their nation. We are here on the world stage, now lets show them what we can do. Go Team USA!

Benjamin Nelson
Airman 1st Class
United States Air Force

LETS "DREAM ON" JUST LIKE LED ZEPLINS SONG SUGGESTS!

THE JOY OF BEING AN AMERICAN MUST NOT BE SUNKED DOWN BECAUSE OF A LOST. WE MUST FIGHT AND SUPPORT. FOR I AM SURE WE WILL BEAT ITALY AND GHANA THEN PROBABLY FACE THE BRAZILIANS AND BEAT THEM 1-0. FOR WE HAVE DONE SO, AND WILL STRIVE TO DO IT IN THE WORLD STAGE FOR HISTORY. SUCH A VICTORY WILL MAKE THE USA MORE UNITED THAN EVER. OUR MUSIC, RICH HISTORY, AND SUPPORT WILL BREAK HEARTS THIS SATURDAY!!!

GO USA!!! LETS GET THE SHOW ON THE ROAD

WOOOOOOOOOOO-HOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!

I CAN SMELL VICTORY!

Cmon guys, be realistic! Last world cup was a very atipical. Most great teams got send home early... very weird. The US team got lucky. And we can really see reality in the current world cup. The US team has still a long way to become a competitive team with european teams. Unfortunately the league they are in does not give them competitive edge (it's a very easy league, cmon!) and that explains the FIFA ranking... which will show the real rank after the worl cup. Just wake up and smell the coffee... sorry to break the bad news.

Why do soccer players fake injury ?

All i have to say is that the United States played their hearts out today with the tie to italy. It is really a shame because from the way the US were playing, they should have clearly beaten one of the best teams in the world. The ref should never be allowed near a pitch ever again.....

The US played well and demonstrated that the team can go further... A very sad tie but nevertheless congrats USA. (Italy sucked!)

wow watching the game i finally realised just how bad the usa team really is. they have no technique with the ball, they attack poorly. they barely had any chances to score against both italy and the czech republic. all they seem to do is pass at midfield. the team wont really get any better until the players play for some major european clubs and really learn the game or if more is invested into the MLS for better training.

Matt you are a moron!!! The US tied italy with 9 men! It is not very easy to attack with 9. And beasley would have won the game for us if McBride Wasn't offsides. You obveously wern't watching the italy game, are you sure you wern't watching a replay of the czech game??? Because i clearly remember dempsey, convey, beasley, donovan running at the italian defense causing many problems. It would be a different story if you ripped on them for playing bad today, but truth is they played with more heart and flair than ever before, Especially dempsey. And as for your european club comment, PSV, AJAX, MAN CITY, FULHAM those are small clubs???? Your comments are totally false, so next time you write something, please have something intelligent to say.

wow ok where to start. ok they tied, the italians played bad and it was mostly luck. US really cant seem to score a goal on its own. The italian team also doesnt attack much thats just their strategy. they did play 11-10 for about 25 minutes. not even one chance to score during that time. if you really think that they gave the defense problems at all then 1. you don't know much about soccer or 2. you didnt watch the game. As for the goal, buffon couldt see the ball, thats the only reason it went in. i guess you think showing heart and flair is fouling a lot and really playing dirty soccer in the first half. As for the clubs, sure they are sort of good, not great, but the usa players dont even start at those clubs. The whole team really doesnt have a good offensive player.

Even though I am disappointed at the way we didnt take advantage when they had 10 men and we had 11, I was very proud of their determination and spirit do fight till the end. I thought they represented the competitive spirit of the U nited States. Overall I think it was a fair result. GO USA!!

I don't know much about soccer??? The italians played bad because the US took them out of the game from the start. De Rossi wouldn't have thrown an elbow at McBride if he wasn't frustrated. PSV is just ok and Ajax is just ok???? You are absolutely insain. Yes, i do think the americans played with flair, italy was boring today. And the ref threw that game away, if he didn't the US probably could have won the game. Thank god we got an own goal, because the ref kept throwing players off without thinking about what actually had happened. pablo's red should have only been a yellow, and its horrible how fifa keep telling the refs to crack down on fouls like that. It ruins the game. Dont get me wrong matt, i respect italy and all they have accomplished in football, but the US out played them today. Everybody in the world knows it!! But now we have to wait and see if we can beat a dangerous ghana team.

Yes the US team played better and it was a great game to watch but they still would have lost if it hadn't have been for Italy kicking the ball into their own net. Zaccardo (Italian player) tried to clear Reyna's free-kick with his left foot and sliced the ball into his own net. Sure we'll take it but we didn't score - - they scored for us.

yep they did play better and hopefully they can actually score against ghana so that the team can advance to the second round.
p.s. yes PSV and Ajax havent been great for a while now, they just have their legacy from the past

Point is we have players playing in europe. Other great teams have players on just ok european teams. And besides half hollands team is on PSV and Ajax and they are one of the best national teams in all of football. PSV won the league this year, and were in the final 8 of champions league, so you are wrong about them being a good team. I think that you don't like to admitt, that the United States is getting better. they're not their yet, but they are headed in the right direction.

Hello there interesting reading. I just hope USA wins 3-0 against Ghana as that is what it will take to advance. They totally played terrible against Chechs so they deserve not to advance. The coach did not coach and the players did not play. This is big time footbal and you have to step up. Sad to say a country of 200M plus can not field a top team to compete with the English, Germans, or Brazilians. I am a huge fan (American) living in Phillipines and really enjoyed 2002 but alas it is 2006. Go USA............... Cheers to all.........

well actually they just need to win, the score doesnt really matter as long as both the us and italy will win.
the team is getting better, but thats not enough. sadly the team will never be really good unless soccer becomes the main sport in the country.
as for the players, few of them have proven themselves on the big international stage except for maybe mcbride. beasley is still a work in progress.

Some interesting comments here... Some fairly misguided ones as well, but valid points made none the less.

No doubt about it, the US performance against the Czech Republic certainly was thoroughly disappointing. It showed no creativity, heart or strategy. However, the match against Italy was a fairly solid regrouping. I agree that despite the improvement, the US still need to create more scoring chances. I've maintained from the beginning that this will be the weakness of the US squad in Germany, and the results thus far have shown the lack of an out and out striker.

However, some points of fact based on the topics being tossed around here. The US has more players than ever playing professionally in Europe. Reyna, Convey, McBride, Bocanegra, Obrien(until recently), Keller, Hahnneman, Cherundolo, Lewis, Spector (kept out by injury), etc. Clubs: Manchester United, Manchester City, Moenchengladbach, Fulham, Reading (recently promoted to premiership), Hanover 96, Leeds, PSV, Ajax, West Ham, etc. Don't think there are some "major" European clubs in that list?

Another point of fact...FIFA rankings have nothing to do with professional leagues. Saying the MLS is a weak league may be a point that can be argued by comparison to the top leagues in Europe, it cannot be pointed to as a reason for an inflated FIFA ranking. I don't place a lot of stock in these rankings, but they are determined solely on evaluating the national A team, based on results in World Cup prelims, World Cup finals, international friendlies, Confederations Cup, etc. Professional leagues like the MLS have no bearing.

Points of opinion: The US did create chances against Italy, though they still need to create more. Mastroeni's strike from distance was dangerous and several chances went wide. Beasley's goal was a legitimate offsides call, but even without McBride screening the keeper, it was a solid scoring chance in anyone's book, unless you don't think having an open shot well inside the penalty area is a good chance. The US played considerably better, and have to be commended on tying Italy while playing a significant portion of the match with 9 players on the field. That said, they do need to create even more offensively.

that was very well written heath
i agree with your points on the FIFA rankings and that the us is not attacking as much as it should.
as for the game versus italy, in my opinion the usa team did play better than they did in their previous match so they deserve some credit. The italien team though played significantly worse than they normally do.

this us team has currently 12 players playing professionally in the European leagues. We have 2 players playing for Fulham and 1 in Leeds and both of those teams are fairly decent. The only player currently playing on a "major" European team is Beasley who plays for PSV(Howard is still a sub for mant. united).

It is true that some of the European contingent among the US players are not starting for their clubs, but my main point is only that more Americans than ever are breaking into major European clubs, which is an encouraging trend.

As far as Manchester United is concerned, keep in mind that Tim Howard was their number one for a stretch and though he lost that position, it's tough to fault any keeper in the World for being put in second position behind van der Saar. Additionally Man U. thought enough of him to sign him through 2009. Jonathan Spector (though kept out of World Cup consideration due to injury) also plays with United and though he hasn't consistently featured in the starting 11, he has seen a fair amount of time and is still a young player. We'll see him at West Ham next season (not as big a club, but that will get him consistent play at least.

Not what one would consider a "major" club, but Bobby Convey and Hahnneman were both major contributors at Reading this year in a season that will see them promoted to the premiership, so let's look forward to seeing them in the EPL next season as well.

McBride, Bocanegra, Keller, Friedel and Reyna all either start or get consistent minutes in first team European football in two of the world's best leagues.

Just some bright spots that bode well in our development. I'm not one that considers the US there yet, but decidedly on the right track.

agreed. it is nice to see us players playing overseas and hopefully more will play in the European leagues in the coming years. Reyna, Keller,McBride and a few others will be gone from the team in the next couple of years( they are getting old, soccer wise) so it should be interesting to see how the younger players and the team will develop.

Heath - -Enjoyed reading your post.

Soccer in the USA will never be as it is in Europe or Latin America. It should stop trying. Soccer will never be a proxy for religion or a stand-in for battles in pasts, recent and distant.

Fans and players of soccer in America, as well as critics and detractors thereof, should really take a minute to reflect on the point this country is at in its soccer development. Even though it is growing at an incredible rate, it is still a relatively young sport in this country. How many of you that are obviously interested in the sport (based on your participation here) can even say that one of your parents grew up playing, how about grandparents? A very small number to be sure. Ask that question in Europe or South America, and a large percentage of the responses would be my father played, my father's father played, my father's father played... Other countries have several generations of players, whereas it has only become truly mainstream in the US in the past 30 years. Being a large and wealthy country doesn't allow you to skip 100 years of sporting history and go straight to the top.

Look at all the other countries from Africa, Asia, the Middle East, the Caribbean, etc. that are still struggling to qualify for a World Cup, or to get their first win in a World Cup. Then realize that we are still on a developing trajectory in this sport and you will see what an accomplishment qualifying for 5 consecutive World Cup finals really is and what it says about the direction soccer is taking in this country.

Comments like those by WHY USA, are simply blind to this fact and make direct comparisons between the US and the absolute superpowers of the sport rather than to other nations that are at a comparable point in their development in soccer.

I, like most watching this World Cup, was disappointed in the US showing. I know we could have done better with the players we have, but it still must be looked at with a bit of perspective.

you're right, the sport is still fairly young in the country. Right now its still overshadowed by sports such as baseball,football and basketball. As the number of fans grows and the sport really becomes a main sport in the US, then we will probably see better results at the world stage.
That being said, the US did play a fairly decent game against Ghana. They scored a goal and had some chances to score another. They did lose, but in my opinion the teams played fairly equal.

I can say im truely disapointed in Arena and the United States play. You can talk about generations of playing football and what not. But this is about now, the United States had the experience and a chance to get out of their group, but lack of coaching, bad reffing, and lack of determination(by some players) stopped us from getting through.

First off, i respect bruce arena for all hes done for our country, but i really think he made some huge mistakes today vs. ghana. The starting line-up i didn't have a problem with, but when he chose not to put bobby convey and eddie johnson in at the start of the second half i questioned him for the first time. And by the time both of them got in, it was to little to late. Also, what about John O'Brien? Why not give him a chance to go in for the injured claudio reina and switched the formation up a little?

AHHH.. the refs.. In most cases you can't blame everything on the refs, but look at the italy game and look at the pk given today. Fifa is out of control and is not allowing the game to be played the way its suppose too. Its a physical game, fouls are going to happen, but fifa has refs punishing players because they dont like rough play? I am one of the most passionate football fans, i can take the United States loosing because their not good enough, but i can't take the fact that the refs are ruining the whole tournament. And its not just for the United States!

Though disapointed, all US fans should hold their heads high. Our team may not have played the best in two of the games this tournament, but look at how they played against italy. We showed the world, we could play with one of the best teams in the world a man down. Now with a little more confidence and more consistancy, the US has much to improve on in 2010. Oh yea, maybe we could get a favorable draw this time. Like Spain??? haha..

I can say im truely disapointed in Arena and the United States play. You can talk about generations of playing football and what not. But this is about now, the United States had the experience and a chance to get out of their group, but lack of coaching, bad reffing, and lack of determination(by some players) stopped us from getting through.

First off, i respect bruce arena for all hes done for our country, but i really think he made some huge mistakes today vs. ghana. The starting line-up i didn't have a problem with, but when he chose not to put bobby convey and eddie johnson in at the start of the second half i questioned him for the first time. And by the time both of them got in, it was to little to late. Also, what about John O'Brien? Why not give him a chance to go in for the injured claudio reina and switched the formation up a little?

AHHH.. the refs.. In most cases you can't blame everything on the refs, but look at the italy game and look at the pk given today. Fifa is out of control and is not allowing the game to be played the way its suppose too. Its a physical game, fouls are going to happen, but fifa has refs punishing players because they dont like rough play? I am one of the most passionate football fans, i can take the United States loosing because their not good enough, but i can't take the fact that the refs are ruining the whole tournament. And its not just for the United States!

Though disapointed, all US fans should hold their heads high. Our team may not have played the best in two of the games this tournament, but look at how they played against italy. We showed the world, we could play with one of the best teams in the world a man down. Now with a little more confidence and more consistancy, the US has much to improve on in 2010. Oh yea, maybe we could get a favorable draw this time. Like Spain??? haha..

I can say im truely disapointed in Arena and the United States play. You can talk about generations of playing football and what not. But this is about now, the United States had the experience and a chance to get out of their group, but lack of coaching, bad reffing, and lack of determination(by some players) stopped us from getting through.

First off, i respect bruce arena for all hes done for our country, but i really think he made some huge mistakes today vs. ghana. The starting line-up i didn't have a problem with, but when he chose not to put bobby convey and eddie johnson in at the start of the second half i questioned him for the first time. And by the time both of them got in, it was to little to late. Also, what about John O'Brien? Why not give him a chance to go in for the injured claudio reina and switched the formation up a little?

AHHH.. the refs.. In most cases you can't blame everything on the refs, but look at the italy game and look at the pk given today. Fifa is out of control and is not allowing the game to be played the way its suppose too. Its a physical game, fouls are going to happen, but fifa has refs punishing players because they dont like rough play? I am one of the most passionate football fans, i can take the United States loosing because their not good enough, but i can't take the fact that the refs are ruining the whole tournament. And its not just for the United States!

Though disapointed, all US fans should hold their heads high. Our team may not have played the best in two of the games this tournament, but look at how they played against italy. We showed the world, we could play with one of the best teams in the world a man down. Now with a little more confidence and more consistancy, the US has much to improve on in 2010. Oh yea, maybe we could get a favorable draw this time. Like Spain??? haha..

oh yeah the US will definetely be better in 2010. new talent coming in, freddy adu might play.
as for the refs, in my opinion there is a difference between playing physical and playing rough. The refs don't want to see the players get injured and are punishing rough tackles. some teams out there are playing really dirty and thats not soccer is about. Soccer should be more about the art of movement and fifa wants to see more of that happening.
with that said, the game vs italy was still badly refereed, buts thats about the only game of its kind in the tournament. The pk versus Ghana was questionable but calls like that happen all the time in any sport and teams just have to play through it.

1 more thing. this did surprise me, but the US is last in the whole world cup in shots on goal. We shot 21 shots, 4 of which were on goal, 1 goal total was scored. In my opinion thats why we lost.

and thats less shots on goal than saudi arabia and tunisia had in just 2 games.

In my opinion I am truly proud to be a US soccer fan, I ask for all US soccer fans to put your heads up and look at the next level of mountains that we must conquer. For I am proud that we left this WC with a team that is playing WAY BETTER than mexico, and could of beating them again.
With this WC not goin' the way we wanted, we will learn a lot from it and be ready for South Africa 2010 baby!WHOOOOOOO!

WE MUST LOOK UP HIGH AND BELIEVE THAT THIS IS JUST THE BEGINING OF A GREAT 2010 WC. WE MUST LOOK UP HIGH AND WIN EVERY CONCACAF MATCH AND CHAMPIONSHIP SUCH AS THE GOLD CUP AND BE THE FIRST CONCACAF TEAM AGAIN TO QUALIFY FOR 2010 FOR AN EASIER SEED AT SOUTH AFRICA.
WE MUST UNITE OURSELVES TO KEEP TOPPING MEXICO, AND A BETTER FIFA SEED WILL COME FORTH. US SOCCER MUST UNITE ITSELF WITH IT'S FANS FOR A BETTER ATMOSPHERE. FOR THOSE AMERICAN KIDS PLAYING IN THE STREETS OF L.A., TEXAS, NEW YORK, FLORIDA, JERSEY, ECT. WILL BE THE AMERICAN HEROES ONE DAY WITH THE CUP!

Even if the USA played and qualified for the next round, the reality is, they would have not stood a chance against Brazil. You know it too. So stop finding excuses on why the U.S didn't win.Plus, Ghana deserves to go on to the next round way more than the U.S does. they actually played their game and wanted it enough to win. In the end, the teams that deserved to go on did go on. One more thing, everyone needs to stop saying WE lost or WE could have done better, etc.. Unless you're one of the players actually on the team you're allowed to say WE. And don't come at me with this I feel like I'm part of the team crap. Also, if you're really a passionate futbol fan like brandon claims to be, then you would know who the better teams are and who deserves to go on to the next round.

I'm not saying the teams that went on didn't deserve it, im saying im disapointed in the US's overall play and coaching. I said nothing about italy and ghana. And everybody knows the US didn't stand a chance on beating brazil. But if they got out of the group like that, it would show the world, hey maybe we shouldn't overlook the states. And people say WE because WE are americans too. We root for the guys playing on the pitch, We feel pain when they don't play well, and WE feel joy when they win. So don't act like your a rocket scientist saying US wouldn't have beat brazil.. No kidding..

the U.S. team being sent home is actually a good thing, because the rest of the world is mad enough at Americans as it is and now we can get back to focusing on sports we really care about.

like nasty basketball and nasty football and nasty baseball. like come on, what the hell with these loser sports.
wheres the passion!

The FIFA ranking is......well, it's not right. Sure, we have soccer here in the US for kids - - parents watch their children run around - - the kids get some exercise, but they're not being taught how to play soccer. “Ball Handling" is a skill - - just as it is with any other sport that uses a ball. I started playing soccer here in the US at an early age. At 8 years old I went with my father when he got transferred to Europe. I didn't learn soccer in the US and I see the same thing now. Without a great coach, a person never learns the skills necessary to seriously play this sport - - the same logic applies to any sport. The kids / US players aren’t being taught ball handling skills. Ball Handling skills involve many things that require a lot of practice to master. A person can't compete or win at the World Cup level without outstanding ball handling skills. The kids I see here in the US playing soccer love the game - - if we’re serious about the US getting better at soccer we need to teach our kids how to “really” play soccer at an early age - - this means getting a real coach.

USA will improve as time goes by and as more athletes in the US take interest in playing the beautiful game. I can see that more money will be ivested in the sport meaning we will have better coaches and coaching staff. We have to be patient and take this loss as a motivation to strive to improve the team and to support it. By next world cup we will have a much bigger fan base in this country hence there will be more media pressure. But I feel good about our ability to produce great players, coaching staffs and fans.

The US team didn't have a snowballs chance in hell in this World Cup tournament. All the hype for what?? They couldn't even make it to the round of 16!! Once again, they're going home with their tails between their legs.
Their one claim to fame was beating Mexico years ago. That's enough to give them a sense of grandiosity. What a bunch of losers!! I can't wait for the pre-qualifiers for the next tournament. I'll be sitting in the stands cheering on my team....ARRIBA MEXICO!!

You all should already know that Brazil is going to win the whole thing...isn't it obvious?

BRAZIL IS THE BEST!! THEY ARE DEFINITELY GOING TO WIN-THEY HAVE RONALDINHO AND RONALDO ON THEIR TEAM!!

Juergen Klinsmann will be our next coach! now what, son!

This is for Anonymous ARRIBA MEXICO

Did Mexico have a chance in this World Cup ? I agree with you - - the US team didn't have a snowball's chance but neither did Mexico. World Cup facts and figures : Most defeats suffered by one nation - Mexico - in World Cups. No country has lost more World Cup matches than Mexico. Mexico has taken part in 13 World Cup finals and is one of the tournament's perpetual under-achievers. Its best performances came in 1970 and 1986, when it made it to the quarter-finals.

Brazil is for sure going to win ?

Of course Brazil is going to win! Mexico has no chance in heck to even make it past the quarter finals

Just kidding, mexico didn't even make it to the quarterfinals ;)

This is for Anonymous : Almost everybody has their money on Brazil but Spain is lookin' good. I'm lookin' forward to the Spain / France match on the 27th - - They're gonna send France home cryin' :) Another team that's lookin' good is Argentina. That goal by Maxi Rodriguez was awesome, don't you think? The Argentina / Germany match on the 30th is gonna be great also. Who do you think will be with Brazil on 9 July ?

This is for USA
Did I say that Mexico was the best team?? NO...I merely mentioned that they were a team I was rooting for.
WHAT I DID SAY is that the performance by the US was sorry and that they couldn't make it to the round of 16.
Save your World Cup history lesson for someone who cares.

What the heck do you think you're talking about? Why are you still rooting for Mexico, if they're out of the World Cup?

Why are you Mexican fans even putting posts up, this is about the United States. If you want ot write about mexico, go to the part where is says "G6 Mexico.
P.S. Mexico played the best they are capable of playing and they still couldn't beat and Argentina teams that was struggling. And i bet all the facts about mexico suffering the most losses finally shut you up, because you didn't have much to say. Say all you want about the US, but Mexico baraly made it out of arguably the weakest group in the tournament. The US had a shot, but couldn't seem to play good football, so they're going home.

Hey Anonymous - - - I would have never guessed that France would have won this match - - - Wow !! I was sure wrong. I lost big money on this match. Looks like I'll be eatin crow :)

haha calm down on the whole mexico thing. I dont really think that a team is considered an underachiever if it went to the world cup 13 times. Not many teams have done that. They did lose all of those games but at least they do make it to the 2nd round often. So give the team credit, they are getting better and move on from this whole debate.

STOP TALKING ABOUT MEXICO!! THEY'RE OUT OF THE WORLD CUP AND THAT'S THAT!!

haha read the comment before you say anything

Okay, this is for the two morons who posted on June 26th:

For the first moron: When I said that I WAS rooting for a team, it signifies PAST TENSE. Since they were eliminated, I have ceased to root for them. It's basic english, but you missed the point, so I broke it down for you. You're welcome.
For the second moron:
I "didn't have much to say" because I have a JOB and social life. I don't spend my time in my parents basement playing X-BOX or roleplaying dungeons and dragons with the rest of the uber-nerds (that IS what YOU guys do nowadays, right?) As far as "shutting me up," are we in the fourth grade (or is that just your level of education?) You really are a product of the "no child left behind" program.
As much fun as this has been, I'm going to have to sign off. Until the next World Cup...

"I "didn't have much to say" because I have a JOB and social life. "
and it takes what, like half a minute to type this? im pretty sure everyone has that kind of time

Wow, mexican fans really get mad when you make fun of them. Maybe you shouldn't have said anything, then you wouldn't have to get all offended and talk about your great job and social life. And apparently you are still in the 4th grade because you are talking about dungeons and dragons. Who does that?? And who gets that offended by a comment in which they have to say something like "You really are a product of the "no child left behind" program." That is just rediculous, and if anything you were the one who was probably in that program because, im sure that not many people know what the hell that is.
P.S. Thanks for the English lesson, but your "was" comment is just an excuse for the team you "were" rooting for not being good enough. Its ok my team didn't win the world cup either. Can i do the cool sign off thing like you too??

haha good post Brandon

Brandon and Matt-
hey, this team profile is for USA, it's not for you guys to just chat about lame retarded stuff ok?

Whats wrong with people agreeing with my comments. If you were a real "soccer fan" you'd understand. ok? haha

yeah seriously read the older posts.
and uhh if this is a chat about soccer why don't you post something about soccer yourself?

Id have to agree with you on that matt. Probably isn't well educated on the game, therefore has no idea what to say but stupid comments, kinda like the guy who gave everybody an english lession instead of making his point about football.

You know what Brandon? I think I'm way more of a soccer fan than you ever will be, and I'm sure I know a lot more about soccer than you will ever know...so just stop ok? thanx

Im not going ti lie the U.S soccer team does not have a chance if u saw the world cup this year u saw how bad they played they didnt even win a game!!!!!!!!!!!!

ITS ALL ABOUT MEXICO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! if ant one diagrees say it

I DISAGREE

Hey Y'all
don't y'all think that we should kind of end this whole team profile thing since you know, the world cup IS over! And all you people keep arguing about stupid stuff..so ya know

You know more than me, but you have no facts to back anything up. For some odd reason i don't believe you. But hey, its ok you can believe whatever you want.

Brandon-
I believe what is true ok? Do you even play soccer? If so, what league, and what age group?

You are all fools. The u.s. is garbage

Um...Excuse me?

what are you talking about "what is true"? All you have to say is that you have a job, and don't play xbox or how you're so popular and talk about how much you hate me or whatever. I play illinois 87 odp and am going to depaul university in the fall to play there, but why in the world would you want to know who i play for? To lie and say you play in mls or usl ? or maybe you play for indiana university one of the best teams in the nation, right? or hey lets go out on a more realistic note and say you're on man uniteds youth squad.

Yeah, you're right. I play on Uniteds Youth Squad. No of course not...

I think the USA has a better chance next world cup because now they know the team's competition and key players. If they just keep up their hard work, they can get Landon Donovan and Brian McBride to really show some stuff.

this is cool

Is anyone going to post anything?

Yes there should realize the reader to RSS my feed to RSS commentary, quite simply

Holy shiinzt, this is so cool thank you.