The US have learned today that it has been drawn into the group of death for the upcoming World Cup in Brazil. The US will face Ghana, Portugal and Germany in group play. The US got picked into one of the worse possible groups and will have to pull off some magic to get out of the group of death. According to ESPN the US currently have a 39% chance of advancing. They start their World Cup campaign Monday June 16th 6pm against Ghana in the brand new Estadio Das Dunas. The US face Portugal in the Arena Amazonia at 3pm Sunday June 22. The final group game on Thursday the 26th against Germany at noon in the Arena Pernambuco.
This group is a very special group of death filled with interesting storyline that make this all the more intriguing. In 2006 the US needed a result against Ghana to advance but fell short after a very closely contested game. In 2010 the US loss to Ghana 2-1 after Gyan netted a stoppage time goal. In 2002 the US beat Portugal in one of the biggest victories in US history and one of the biggest upsets in world Cup history. Germany and the US faced each other in the 2002 World Cup Quarter finals and although the US fought hard they were defeated by a strong German side. Also USMNT coach Jurgen Klinsmann is an iconic figure in German Sport and was the former head coach of the German national team.
This group stage will not be easy but it is doable. If the US come out and get a win against Ghana and a draw against Portugal they have a chance to advance. Portugal is a strong team with one of the world greatest players in Christano Ronaldo but they are beatable. They have a weakness on defense and no notable striker if the US can hold the ball and keep the ball away from Ronaldo and the US will have a shot at another upset. The US have to hope that the Germans have already advanced and are going to rest some players.
Group D is one of the other Groups of death with Costa Rica, England, Italy and Uruguay. Uruguay, Italy and England are all very strong sides and if Costa Rica can get a result then the entire group will be thrown upside down. It will be one of the most entertaining and competitive groups. Another interesting group is group B as it features Spain and the Netherlands who both played in the last world cup final. Although this world cup is one of the most competitive world cups of all time their are some soft groups. Group F has Argentina going against Bosnia-Herzegovina, Iran and Nigeria. That looks to be a cake walk for Argentina who are one of the favorites going into the world cup.
Add The Sports Daily to your Google News Feed!
