In 119 days the most watched and anticipated sporting event will kick off in South Africa. While countries like Brazil, England, Italy, and Germany are having problems selecting just 23 athletes to represent their country, the U.S. finds itself scraping to find 23 fit, experienced, and effective footballers.
Many of the U.S. players are not match fit or ready for this tournament. American players are faced with many difficulties. Not only did the domestic MLS season end months ago, but many American players that are playing abroad are not seeing any action. With the exception of Jozy Altidore, Jonathon Spector, Tim Howard, Landon Donovan, Clint Dempsey, and Bolton's new acquisition Stuart Holden, no other players are seeing proficient time with their clubs right now. In addition to the lack of conditioning and competition, many of star players and play makers are hurt and will not be ready until the South Africa. Clint Dempsey is nursing a knee problem, Stuart Holden has a thigh strain, Davies is still recovering from that horrific car accident, Oguchi Onyewu is still battling his knee problem he received against Costa Rica, and the new American citizen, Jermaine Jones is still recovering from shin surgery. Things are not looking up for the Yanks.
In addition to these problems, the U.S. has been extremely streaky and unpredictable from game to game since the Confederations Cup. How can a team who beat then number one team in the world, Spain, be picked apart by Honduras? The U.S. is not in the group of death this time around like they were in last cup, but it is not going to be a cake walk for them. Opening against England, with red hot strikers Rooney, Defoe, and Bent, along with a solid midfield led by Beckham, Gerrard, Lampard, and a brick wall back line with Terry, Johnson, Brown, and Bridge. The U.S. will have to be firing on all cylinders right out of the gate if they want to be able to get out of the group stages.
Realistic goal for the U.S. team= quarterfinals, if the U.S. wants the respect of the world, they have to reach at least the semi finals.
People will be watching the Yanks on the biggest stage in sports...but you have to wonder, will we be impressed or embarrassed, because of late, we haven't had a lot to cheer about in the soccer realm. As the thousands of supporters scream out "The Yanks are Coming!!!!!" will the rest of the world turn and run or stand and laugh? 119 lonely days will determine so much for U.S. Soccer.
