World Cup 2022: The U.S. Falls Flat

Following the disappointment of the United States’ failed bid for the 2022 World Cup, I received an e-mail from U.S. Soccer President Sunil Gulati with the subject line “What We Achieved.” Although Sunil and I are tight, I assume a few other U.S. Soccer backers got the same note. With all due respect to the efforts of the U.S. bid committee — they certainly did all they could to bring the World Cup back to America — I have a hard time seeing any positives from the sordid process that awarded the 2018 World Cup to Russia and the 2022 World Cup to Qatar.

I wish I could believe the idealistic viewpoint of Gabriele Marcotti, who says FIFA is spreading the World Cup love around to grow the game throughout the world. That’s a noble thought, but one that’s a tough sell given the process. How does a bid that was judged to put the athlete’s health at serious risk win so handily over the foolproof American candidacy? How does a technically sound English bid garner only one vote besides the one cast by their own FIFA representative? And how can we trust 22 voters when two of their colleagues were eliminated from the process for allegedly taking bribes?

Had FIFA chosen either England or the United States and paired that host with an ambitious bid from Russia or Qatar, I could believe the promoting the global game theory. But surely money-hungry group FIFA must have had other reasons for passing up two jackpot hosts. Grant Wahl claims “that petrodollars talk,” and the pairing of two oil rich nations as hosts back that concept.

So how long must we wait for another World Cup in the U.S.? 2026 is a possibility, but European foes will be in the mix. 2030 is the 100th anniversary of the World Cup, and original hosts Uruguay are striving to put together a joint bid with Argentina in time for the celebration. Just as Atlanta plucked the Centennial Olympics away from Athens, in 1996 the Americans may have the stronger case here. So sit tight. Despite all we have to offer as a World Cup host, it’s going to be awhile.

2018 and 2022 World Cups: Which Bids Win?

Almost six months after playing to a 1-1 draw in South Africa, the U.S. and England will again be in the World Cup spotlight Thursday. This time they’re the favorites to land the 2018 and 2022 tournaments. The 2018 race features four European bids, while the United States and four opponents from the Asian confederation vie for the 2022 rights. The same question applies to both elections: Will FIFA choose the safe bets that offer a big payday or will they choose an emerging soccer nation in order to promote the game’s growth?

FIFA boss Sepp Blatter combined the bidding process for the ’18 and ’22 World Cups to create an attractive combo platter for sponsors and television rights holders. But the grab for mo’ money has created mo’ problems. Votes have allegedly been up for sale, two members of the executive committee have been stripped of their voting rights, and the dual election has taken on a “I’ll vote for you if you vote for me” feel reminiscent of high school student council elections. With that background, the race is even more difficult to handicap

England is matched against Russia and joint bids from Spain/Portugal and Holland/Belgium and there’s no doubt an English World Cup would a financial success. But if FIFA is looking to grow the game, Russia is the logical choice. And while a great deal of construction would need to take place between now and 2018, the Russian government is ready to committee the dollars needed.

If FIFA needed a country to step in and host the World Cup next week, America would be ready to go. All those super-sized NFL stadiums and U.S.-based global sponsors represent big bucks for FIFA. And while the U.S. 2022 bid has its drawbacks — the size of the country makes travel difficult and public transportation is limited around many venues — overall America is a risk-free host.

South Korea and Japan shared hosting duties eight years ago, so there’s no reason the World Cup would return as early as 2022. Australia’s bid suffers from limited support from the Aussie Rules Football and Rugby leagues whose seasons conflict with the World Cup. That leaves Qatar as the chief rival to the U.S., and while the Arab nation started as long shots, their bid has gained credibility and momentum. The biggest obstacle for Qatar is the stifling desert heat. But if their committee can convince FIFA voters on their plans to use innovative cooling technology, they could emerge as winners.

My hunch says FIFA will pick one host from the “safe” category and one from the “growth” category. And while backroom dealings could send the votes any number of directions, I can’t see England’s bid falling short. Russia will get a World Cup someday, but the next European hosting cycle is more likely. Does England’s success mean the U.S. gets left out? Not necessarily. But FIFA is giving the 2022 winner 12 years to get ready and Qatar is a nation that would put that time to excellent use. Don’t be surprised if America gets left on the sideline.

World Cup 2010: The Future That Never Was

A month prior to the World Cup, Nike unleashed their "Write the Future" campaign, and, like many others, I was pretty awed upon first viewing.



The video pulled in a million viewers a day on YouTube the week it debuted. As I type this, 17.7 million viewers have watched the clip above. All good for Nike, but how did the World Cup work out for the stars of the show? Eh, not so good. To recap:

Didier Drogba: Eliminated in the group stages
Fabio Cannavaro: Eliminated in the group stages
Wayne Rooney: Eliminated in the Round of 16
Frank Ribery: Eliminated in the group stages
Ronaldinho: Never made it to South Africa
Cristiano Ronaldo: Eliminated in the Round of 16

We haven't seen a collection of athletes in an ad campaign flop this badly since the Dan and Dave Reebok commercials prior to the 1992 Summer Olympics. A tough break for Nike, but I have a feeling they'll do just fine.

Update: Apparently the curse extends to Roger Federer as well. At least Kobe Bryant had a good month.

World Cup 2010: Round of 16 Previews- June 27

England vs. Germany
Here we go again. A rivalry that needs no hype, the latest edition pits a veteran English side against Joachim Low's youthful German squad. England stumbled through Group C, posting a win and two draws but scoring only twice to finish second. Fans of the Three Lions hope their best game is still to come. Wayne Rooney will need to emerge as a scoring threat to make that a reality.

Germany throttled Australia 4-0 in their opener before a pair of 1-0 matches, a loss to Serbia and a win over Ghana, advanced them as winners of Group D. Mesut Ozil has emerged as the team's newest star, scoring the game-winner against Ghana. 2006 heroes Lukas Podolski and Miroslav Klose, back from a red card suspension, are again the focal points for Germany.

Predicting England to lose in a shootout would be downright cruel, so I'll take the Germans in regulation.

Prediction: Germany 2, England 1

Argentina vs. Mexico
Argentina and Mexico meet in the Round of 16 for the second-straight World Cup. Four years ago Maxi Rodriguez's sublime strike in extra time gave the Argentines a 2-1 win. Diego Maradona's swashbuckling squad was one of only two squads to go 3-0 in the group stages, posting wins over Nigeria, South Korea and Greece to win Group B. Lionel Messi has played the role of distributor thus far; he's yet to score, but has set up the likes of Gonzalo Higuain, who had a hat trick against South Korea.

Mexico tinkered with various line-ups in going 1-1-1 in Group A play. Their best effort was a 2-0 win over the French, the only time you'll see "best effort" and "French" in the same sentence. Giovani Dos Santos will be counted on to help El Tri match their opponents' firepower.

Prediction: Argentina 3, Mexico 1

World Cup 2010: Breaking Down the Groups- Part 1

32 group stage games down, 16 to go. As we head into round three of matches, 30 of 32 teams still have a chance to reach the knockout stages. Those teams range from a 2-0 side in precarious position to an 0-2 side with a very realistic chance to advance. Let's breakdown the scenarios and my predictions, starting with Groups A-D.

Group A
Standings: Uruguay- 4 points, +3 goal differential; Mexico- 4 pts., +2; France- 1 pt., -2; South Africa- 1pt., -3
Match-ups: Uruguay vs. Mexico; South Africa vs. France
The situation: Uruguay are part of the South American juggernaut that has eight wins and two draws in ten matches. Diego Forlan is one of the emerging stars of the Cup with two goals in the win over South Africa. While a draw guarantees both sides advance, Mexico will want to avoid a second round meeting with Argentina, so look for El Tri to go on the attack. If there's any justice, the French collection of prima donnas will get blasted by South Africa. The hosts will likely miss the knockout stages, but a well-deserved win would allow them to finish on a high,
Prediction: Mexico wins to top the group as Uruguay holds on to second.

Group B
Standings: Argentina- 6 pts.; +4; South Korea- 3 pts.; -1; Greece- 3 pts., -1; Nigeria- 0 pts., -2
Match-ups: Argentina vs. Greece; South Korea vs. Nigeria
The situation: 0-2 may seem like a bleak position, but Nigeria are surprisingly in good shape to advance. A win over South Korea coupled with a Greece loss to Argentina will see three teams tie for second at 1-2. Regardless of the scores on Tuesday, Nigeria are ensured of winning the goal differential tie-breaker. Argentina need only a draw to lock-up the top spot, and it's hard to see them failing to capture a point.
Prediction: Argentina take first and Nigeria sneak in behind them.

Group C
Standings: Slovenia- 4 pts., +1; USA- 2 pts., E; England- 2 pts. E, Algeria- 1 pt., -1
Match-ups: Slovenia vs. England; USA vs. Algeria
The situation: It's win and advance for Slovenia, the U.S. and England, while Algeria needs a win and some help from England to move on. Oddly the fourth-place side is the only one entering their match on a positive note. Slovenia coughed up a two-goal lead to the U.S., a match the Americans left thinking they should have won. Meanwhile England are just grateful that the French are in town, otherwise they'd be the poster children for team disharmony and underachievement.
Prediction: A pair of 2-0 wins sees the U.S. and England advance, with the States topping the group on the second tiebreaker, goals scored.

Group D
Standings: Ghana 4 pts., +1; Germany 3 pts., +3; Serbia 3 pts., E; Australia 1 pt. -4
Match-ups: Ghana vs. Germany; Serbia vs. Australia
The situation: A quick look at the standings, and you'd say Group D leaders Ghana are Africa's best hope of reaching the knockout stages. They might, however, face a tougher task than winless Nigeria. The Black Stars will need at least a point against Germany to ensure passage. If they lose, Serbia will pass them with a win over Australia. While a win advances any of the top three teams, only Ghana are assured of moving on with a draw. Australia needs to show that it can play without getting a star player red carded, following the dismissals of Tim Cahill and Harry Kewell in their first two matches.
Prediction: Germany plays like, well, Germany and gets the win to put them on top of the group. Serbia join them in the second round.

World Cup 2010: Group C Preview

The four squads in Group C are split between those expected to advance- England and the United States, and those looking to spring an upset- Algeria and Slovenia. With the favorites kicking off in one of the tournament's most anticipated matches, the group's pecking order should be established early. Here's a closer look.

Expectations are sky high for England and that's not necessarily a good thing. An impressive qualifying run under Fabio Capello washed away the stench of failing to advance to Euro 2008, and now the Three Lions are a trendy dark horse pick. Unfortunately the weight of a nation's desperate expectations often hamper England, especially when it comes to the dreaded shootout. Up front, the English feature veteran firepower with Premier League rivals Wayne Rooney, Frank Lampard and Steven Gerrard. The defense has been gutted by injuries, the most recent to captain Rio Ferdinand, and goaltending is never an English strength. Don't be surprised to see England in some high scoring contests, but if the goals are coming from Rooney and Co., Capello's men will advance easily.

The trend following the United States since their return to the World Cup in 1990 points towards a positive tournament in 2010. The Yanks have alternated between disastrous showings in Europe and knockout round appearances elsewhere. With the experience gained reaching last year's Confederations Cup Final, the team should feel comfortable in South Africa. Bob Bradley's side have a disturbing habit of coughing up leads. Last summer they lead in games against Italy, Spain, Brazil and Mexico, but lost three of the four. Team spark plug Landon Donovan knows that this tournament could define his career after a strong showing with Everton and if he can connect with a healthy Jozy Altidore up front, we'll see the Stars and Stripes into the round of 16 once again.

Slovenia are hoping to continue the run of play that saw them top Russia in the European qualifying playoffs. Serie A-based goalkeeper Samir Handanovic has a habit of frustrating opponents, something he'll need to do for a team that has struggled when falling behind. If the talented Rene Krhin and Nejc Pecnik come of age in South Africa, Slovenia are best suited to upset the England-U.S. party.

There's no shortage of major European club experience on the Algeria roster, but scoring goals will be a challenge for the Desert Foxes, one of the final qualifiers from Africa. Inconsistent results heading into the World Cup leave Rabah Saadane's men hoping for a repeat of their stunning 1982 upset of West Germany.

Prediction: There's no reason to think that England and the U.S. won't both advance, and the winner of their opening match will be positioned for a deep run. Recent head-to-head results favor the English, who should sweep the group, further raising those always burdensome expectations.

The Best of the Decade in Soccer

As the first decade of the new millennium reaches stoppage time, it's time to honor some of the stars and great moments from the past ten years. Here are some of my favorites:

Best Team- 2008-09 FC Barcelona: Great sides are measured by championships, and Barcelona won everything there is to win in 2009. The highlight was a convincing 2-0 win over defending champions Manchester United in the Champions League Final, which followed League and Spanish Cup titles. Spanish and European Super Cups and the World Club Cup completed the six-pack for Lionel Messi and company.

Best Goal- Steven Gerrard, 2006 FA Cup Final: Sure, I'm a little bit biased here, but I challenge you to find a better strike. Trailing West Ham 3-2 in the final minutes of the Final, Captain Fantastic delivered and the Reds ultimately won in a shootout.

Best Tournament- Euro 2008: June in the Alps was a month to remember. The Dutch looked like an unstoppable force in the group stages, until they were dismissed by Guus Hiddink's cagey Russian side. The surprising Turks rode their late-game heroics to the semifinals, before falling to Germany. But in the end, the tournament belonged to Spain, which extinguished decades of disappointment thanks to Fernando Torres' sublime game winner in the Final.

Best Manager- Alex Ferguson: Whether you like ManU or not (and I've made it no secret on here that I don't), you have to admire the accomplishments of Sir Alex at Old Trafford. After capping the '90s with a treble-winning campaign, Ferguson's troops kept on rolling through the decade that followed, capturing six Premier League titles and a Champions League crown in 2008.

Biggest Gag- England's Euro 2008 Qualifying Campaign: Despite all their stumbles along the way, including draws against Israel and Macedonia, England were still in position to qualify for Euro 2008 heading into their final match. Needing only a home draw against a Croatia side that had nothing at stake, England fell behind 2-0, rallied to equalize, but then gave up a late winner and missed the continent's showpiece event.

Best Game- Liverpool over AC Milan in the 2005 Champions League Final: I may have mentioned this one a time or two before on this blog, but just to show you I'm no homer, Sports Illustrated's Grant Wahl gave the match similar praise in his end of decade review. Down 3-0 at the half, Liverpool tied the match within a six-minute span in the second half, then defeated favored AC Milan on PKs for their fifth European Cup.

Biggest Shock- Greece wins Euro 2004: While their defensive-minded tactics weren't always crowd-pleasing, the Greeks earned the world's attention with a stunning run to the European title in Portugal. After edging Spain for second in their group on the third tiebreaker, the Greeks netted three straight 1-0 wins in the knockout stages over France, the Czech Republic, and the hosts.

Best Way to Spend a Week- 2006 World Cup: The Germans put on a fantastic tournament for visitors from around the world, including two brothers who had the time of their lives.

Best Source of Comedy- Special 1 TV: The real Jose Mourinho held plenty of entertaining press conferences, but his puppet alter ego and his friends took soccer comedy to new heights.


Biggest Moment- Zidane's World Cup Head Butt: Zinedine Zidane was on the brink of capping his legendary career with a second World Cup title, but instead he went loco and drilled his head into the chest of Italy's Marco Materazzi. Instead of hoisting the trophy, Zidane was in the locker room as Italy triumphed in a shootout.

World Cup Draw Winners and Losers

The field is set for South Africa 2010. With the unique drama of today's World Cup draw complete, here's my take on the winners and losers.

Winner- USA: Most pundits will pick the US to advance from Group C. England are obviously the group favorites, but with Algeria, the last qualifier from Africa, and Slovenia, one of Europe's surprise entries rounding out the group, Bob Bradley's men have a clear path to the knockout stages.

Loser- South Africa: While the hosts got the benefit of a one seed, that distinction was negated by drawing France, a side many saw as worthy of the top row. With Mexico and Uruguay also in Group A, the home side will struggle to advance.

Winner- Germany: Germany's advantage isn't so much their manageable group, which includes Australia, Serbia and Ghana, but in the way the knockout stages shape-up. Italy, Holland, Brazil, Portugal and Spain all reside on the opposite side of the bracket, meaning Germany would avoid those top sides until at least the semifinals.

Loser- Ivory Coast: Four years ago Didier Drogba and crew landed in the Group of Death, with their first two matches against Argentina and Holland. The 2010 draw did them no favors either, with Brazil and Portugal in the mix. They may be eliminated at 0-2 by the time they face a beatable North Korean side.

Winner- Charlize Theron: A gorgeous addition to the dais, Theron hasn't looked this good since the movie Reindeer Games. Let's hope we see more of the South African native come next June.

Loser- David Beckham: Beckham's inclusion on stage was odd, given his checkered history at the World Cup. I suppose he was up there for his celebrity status and boyish good looks. That's fine, but if you're playing the role of eye candy, don't show up with a mohawk.

Winner- Spain: The reigning European champs cruised through qualifying with a perfect mark. That record should continue in a group that includes lightly regarded Switzerland, Chile and Honduras.

Loser- Korea: Both North and South landed in the two toughest groups. South Korea are joined by Argentina, Nigeria and Greece in Group B, while their Northern neighbors face Brazil, Ivory Coast and Portugal in Group G.

Winner- Ticket scalpers: The highest demand for tickets during the initial sales period came from the US and England. The brokers will make a pretty penny when those two sides meet on June 12.

Loser- Attendees at my brother's wedding: Unfortunately that USA-England match kicks off one hour before my brother is slated to get married. He still has six months to alter the schedule.

England and the Burden of Expectation

With Wednesday's 6-0 win over Andorra, England move to within one win of qualifying for the 2010 World Cup. Even though the Three Lions failed to advance to last year's Euros, the 7-0-0 start under Fabio Capello has been heralded as a preview of greater success next summer. And that's where the problems start for England.

Here's a quick rundown of major tournaments held outside of England where the national side has advanced to the Final.

And we're done. And yet at the slightest sign of progress, the natives act as if it's 1966 all over again. Here come the headlines and with it the high hopes of a title-starved nation. In previous tournaments, lofty expectations have been more of a burden than a catalyst for England. With each victory, more is expected of Fabio and his troops. With qualification all but assured, a stumble might benefit the greater cause.

World Cup 2010: Checking in on UEFA Qualifying

With the club season over, the summer attention turns to qualifying for next year's World Cup. With most nations just past the halfway mark, the race for Europe's 13 slots in South Africa 2010 is taking shape. Nine group winners qualify automatically, while the top eight runners-up will enter four two-legged playoffs for the remaining slots. Here's a look at how the groups stand.

Group 1: Portugal has been one of the biggest disappointments to date, with just one win in five matches. Portugal trails both Denmark and Hungary by seven points, although Portugal does have a game in-hand on the Hungarians. Sweden, with the fewest games played, is also in the mix. Portugal's September 5 trip to Denmark will be a key fixture.

Group 2: The weakest of the nine groups, Greece and Switzerland top the table, three points ahead of Latvia. The Greeks travel to Switzerland on September 5.

Group 3: Northern Ireland are one of the biggest surprises, topping the table with 13 points, but they've played two more matches than second-place Slovakia, which has 12. Poland (10 points in six matches) will also view for top honors. With only eight points through six matches, the favored Czech Republic has work to do.

Group 4: Germany appear in comfortable position with 16 points in six matches. Russia, with 12 points in five matches, should be able to hold off Finland (seven points, four matches played) for second.

Group 5: European champions Spain are perfect in six matches, the best mark of any of the 53 qualifiers. While Bosnia-Herzegovina trail by six points, they're positioned well to take second, four points ahead of Turkey.


Group 6: English fans are giddy over the 15 points in five matches earned by Fabio Capello's men. Croatia and Urkraine will battle for second, with the Croats hosting a June 6 meeting.

Group 7: Serbia are another surprise group leader, two points ahead of 2006 runners-up France. The Serbs are in good shape with two of their next three at home, including a September 9 visit by Les Blues.

Group 8: Despite a home draw to Ireland in their most recent match, Italy are poised to defend their 2006 title. The Irish have yet to lose in six matches, leading third-place by Bulgaria by five points.

Group 9: Holland join Spain and England as the only sides with unblemished marks, and they have more than double the points of second place Scotland (15-7).

Predicted group winners: Denmark, Switzerland, Slovakia, Germany, Spain, England, France, Italy, Holland
Predicted playoff qualifiers: Portugal, Greece, Poland, Russia, Croatia, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Serbia, Ireland

The Road to 2018 and 2022

World Soccer and SI.com have the latest take on the contenders for the 2018 and 2022 World Cup hosts. They share my opinion that England remains the heavy favorite for 2018. Suprisingly the article lists Mexico, not Australia, as the biggest obstacle to the United States bringing home the 2022 event.

World Cup 2018: England's to Lose

The English media love to trumpet the success of the national side at the slightest hint of good fortune. A solid start in World Cup qualifying? All of the sudden the Three Lions are a contender for the 2010 World Cup title. Never mind the fact that their only appearance in a major final was 43 years ago and they failed to qualify for Euro 08. England are in it to win it!

I figured England's bid for the 2018 World Cup would be met with similar overconfidence. By process of elimination, I see no way England can lose. The '18 World Cup is almost certainly headed to Europe. Until 2010 and 2014, at least one of every two World Cups was held in Europe, so the likelihood that Europe would be left out of hosting three straight tournaments is slim. England's continental competition includes Russia, and joint bids from Spain/Portugal and Holland/Belgium. Given that FIFA is less enthusiastic about joint bids, that leaves England and Russia. I'd say England is a lock.

So why isn't The Times of London counting down the days until kick-off? Apparently Barack Obama has them scared. Perhaps the English media are trying to remain humble, but I doubt even Obama's support can help wrestle this tournament away from England.

I do think the 2022 World Cup, scheduled to be awarded along with the 2018 event next December, is headed to the States. Australia is the only legitimate competition, and given the financial success of the '94 World Cup, FIFA would love to return. The U.S. has already produced a somewhat absurd list of 70 potential venues. ("Live from Fayetteville, Arkansas, it's Angola versus South Korea!") But what the list does show is that the U.S. venues are ready to go. They'll need to wait their turn, however. 2018 is England bound.

The Magic of Gazza

If Marco Van Basten's goal for Holland in the Euro 1988 Final is the tournament's all-time greatest goal, this cracker from Paul Gascoigne at Wembley 12 years ago is a close second. The strike came against Scotland in the group stages, the second goal in a 2-0 England victory. Unfortunately it's pretty much been all downhill for Gazza since then.

USA-England Recap

England won't have the opportunity to prove they're the best team in Europe this summer, but they convincingly showed they're better than the top team in CONCACAF in a 2-0 whipping of the U.S. at Wembley Wednesday night. John Terry and Steven Gerrard netted the goals for England.

There was one notable absence among the regular starters- U.S. midfielder Landon Donovan, who was a late scratch due to a tight groin. (No word if Donovan's wife, actress Bianca Kajlich, was responsible for the groin injury.) While Donovan was denied the opportunity to earn his 100th cap, his injury was hardly the Americans' biggest problem. England's speed was too much for U.S. defenders to handle, a weakness that will likely be exploited by Spain's Fernando Torres and Argentina's Lionel Messi in the days ahead.

England also displayed technical superiority on set pieces. A vintage Beckham free kick in the 38th minute found Terry's head in the box for the first English tally. The goal won't erase Terry's painful memories of the Champions League Final, but it could help him tighten his grip on the captian's armband that he wore today,

The U.S. now heads to Santander for a June 4 friendly against Spain. They'll need to show a lot more offensive urgency to avoid a similar result.

USA-England Preview

In case you were wondering, while the focus of this blog is the game in Europe, I remain first and foremost a fan of Team USA. With the Americans headed to Wembley for a Wednesday friendly, it seems like a good time to check in with Bob Bradley's crew. With the exception of injured midfielder Benny Feilhaber, the U.S. will bring all their top stars to London, led by Landon Donovan who will earn his 100th cap.

The U.S. learned a valuable lesson at the 2006 World Cup- beating up on the weaklings in CONCACAF does not adequately prepare you to play the world's best. With that in mind, the U.S. has scheduled a much more imposing slate of friendlies, with matches against England, Spain and Argentina over the next two weeks. The U.S. already has three wins since October over Euro 2008 participants Switzerland, Poland and Sweden.

England, of course, are not Euro 2008 participants. Fabio Capello is using the summer to take a look at a handful of youngsters in advance of 2010 World Cup qualifying, which begins in September. But the line-up tomorrow remains loaded with familiar names such as Wayne Rooney, Steven Gerrard, Frank Lampard and David Beckham. Of greatest interest will be the play of captain John Terry, donning the armband one week after his critical PK miss in the Champions League Final.

The English fans and media like to think the national side is one of the world's elite, although there's not much evidence to back that up over the last 42 years. One dillusional columnist thinks England are good enough to win Euro 2008. There's just the nagging matter of their failure to qualify. The U.S. has played well enough since Germany that a strong showing tomorrow should suprise no one. Here's hoping the stars and stripes play up to their potential.