Statleague.com

In case you didn’t get a chance to watch the 3 hrs of ESPN live coverage

Many pints were raised across merry ol’ England last night as the Three Lions drew a seemingly easy path to the knock out stage of the 2010 World Cup. The Sun’s headline simply read “Yanks a lot”. So despite the runner up finish in the Confederations Cup there is no respect for Team USA. So what can the Americans take away from all of this?

After all the two diamonds in the MLS’ eyes will be squaring off against each other in their teams opening match. That is of course if good ol’ Becks even makes the England squad and Mr. Donovan stays healthy. Two LA Galaxy teammates are probably the most recognizable names to the American non-followers of soccer and will meet on the world’s largest stage. This is what the US media will focus on.

Do you think these belong in group C or group D?

Never mind the fact that this is probably the best draw that the United States has ever had. In 2002 they had to deal with Portugal, a home side in Korea, and a formidable Polish team. In 2006 the Group of Death took its toll on the US with Italy, Czech Republic, and Ghana. So we have really yet to see how they will handle a relatively easy group. The caved under the pressure in 2006 and excelled to the quarterfinals in 2002 so even that can’t give us a hint.

Slovenia, the second opponent in South Africa, knocked off a very skilled Russian team in a two game playoff to qualify. That being said, (sorry Larry David) they are still not a very threatening team. Algeria is another team that made it in by the skin of its teeth. They defeated a sound Egypt team in a playoff, which some considered one of the best in Africa. The US has never faced either of these teams but recently defeated Egypt in the Confederations Cup if that means anything.

So really the group comes down to England and the United States. The hopeful outcome would be a draw with England and then win the next two games. Now I’m not saying the US can’t beat England, but let’s be realistic they’re just trying to move on to the next round. (England holds a 7-2 advantage all-time) With any luck the Yanks can win the group on goal differential and face the second place team from Group D, which is up for grabs with Australia, Serbia and Ghana. A second place finish for the US would likely mean a matchup with Germany.

There is a lot that can happen leading up to the World Cup with it being more than six months away. Injuries, call-ups, and maybe even some firings all are possible. The US went from 80-1 to 65-1 to win it all after the draw so it looks like the bookies know we got a fair shake. England sits at 5-1 so maybe they can look at the United States as a walkover. That is probably why David Beckham was smiling during the draw. No it is probably more likely he was thinking about banging Charlize Theron the entire time.