What key factor could hinder the U.S. chances of having a successful cup?
454423
Quite honestly, lack of success against upper-echelon international teams. The U.S. may be ranked #5 in the world according to FIFA, but that does not mean they are the fifth-best team. They need to prove, from a psychological standpoint, that they have the talent and the desire to compete against teams like Brazil, England, Argentina and Holland in top-level international football.\n\nThe lack of experience by American players in top-level international football hurts them the most. The U.S. is beginning to send more and more players into the Bundesliga, the Premiereship, Serie A, and other top-flight leagues, but there are still too many career MLSers on the squad.
477581
It's tough to say.  I would say no.  Italy, Czech Republic and Ghana are tough teams and will have stronger fan support than the Americans.  Additionally, the US seem a little overconfident because of their strong performance in the last World Cup.  The only way the US will make it past the first round is if one or two of the other teams play poorly.
615360
The USA don't get to play many competitive games that affect their rating outside of their own group region and because the quality of their opposition is lacking, then they win a lot which gives them the points to move up in the rankings. For instance, if Scotland or Wales were regularly placed in groups that contained teams made up of dead people, girls and the elderly then they would shoot up the rankings also. Mind up, they probably still would struggle in some of those games.
897954
Not good enough to win the Cup.
302051
Not necessarily. In the World Cup, the only teams who will be thinking about that will be the actual contenders like Brazil, Germany, and England, but all other teams will most likely go on attack quite frequently because they really don't have much to loose. Think of a country like Holland: They have great striking power (Van Nistelrooy) and have almost no chance of actually winning. So, why should they not give it everything they have and just try to not make mistakes, rather than not make mistakes and just try to not lose.
93267
I believe the USA can win the World Cup this year.  Noone is writing us off this time around.  We are ranked in the top 10 by FIFA.  To go along with our ranking, we have some of the best goalkeeping in the world (Keller, Howard, and a number of MLS keepers like Reis and Hartman).  We have a solid defense with Bocanegra, Onyewu, Hejduk, and Pope (and maybe even Pablo Mastroeni).  World-class midfielders in Landon Donovan and DaMarcus Beasley will be stepping onto the pitch (not to mention the solid job players like Kerry Zavagnin put forth each and every time they take the field).  Up top, we have the emergence of Taylor Twellman in the international game and the return of Eddie Johnson to the fold.  We have a coach in Bruce Arena who, I believe, if he leaves after the tournament, should get a top-flight European league job next fall (Malcolm Glazer hiring Bruce Arena at ManU if Sir Alex Ferguson were to leave?  A long shot maybe, but intriguing.).  Add to that, one of Italy's best players, Francesco Totti, recently went down with a serious injury and will be out until at least May.  Even if he does come back for the tournament, will he be at full strength?  Ghana's midfielder Laryea Kingston will also miss the tournament through suspension.  While we have a tough road to travel both in our group and with the possibility of Brazil lurking in the round of 16, I believe the USA has the ability to take on the world's best and win it all.
1028682
Don't listen to these people. I think anything is possible. Although I honestly don't think they can get the cup since there are so many other great teams out there. But I think they will definitly make it to higher rounds,  even though they lost from Mexico :(\n\nGO IRAN :)
1121567
In my opinion USA can't show good performance in the fortcoming fifa worldcup as it has to win the great power block like italy and czech republic in its first round. both of its great rivals are going germany with great hope of wining. but dont give up hope USA fan it is football anything can happen as croatia did in wc '98.
454622
No doubt about. It is a matter of time for USA soccer to explode in the big stage. It is bound to happen.
1078518
I think the U.S.A has a chance. They need to play their game that they played in 2002. Italy didnt look great against Ghana in their first game. The U.S has players that can play against anyone they are very young and talented. My Advice: Be Confident and Play like a 5th place team in the world!
442723
Simple: any country who won the eliminatory matches deserves to be in the WC. If USA is not, I guess you weren’t so good.
381655
The USA has the talent but have not played together as a team yet. It will take a huge effort to get out of our group but if we do, I thimk we can go far.
392206
I'd advise you to keep an eye on Iran.  Success at the World Cup is about passion.  Look at France and Argentina in 2002.  Neither advanced beyond the group stage because they didn't play with a desire to win, but with the expectation that they would win.  Iran has a decent team in a difficult group with Mexico and Portugal.  If Iran advances out of that group, it will be because of their players' hearts and desire to win for their country, not necessarily because they are better than Mexico or Portugal.  Think about the political situation in Iran right now.  The people are besieged with pressure from the West and the government censors so much of the Western media.  The people's outlet is soccer, and the Iranian team's players know that.  Assuming that Iran advances into the Round of 16, they will have momentum and confidence and can win at least one elimination game.  They may even be able to give their Round of 8 opponent a difficult time, as the US did against Germany in 2002.  That would be a significant achievement for a team that has only been to the finals 3 times, and it could start Iran on the road to regular qualifications in the future.  That's the meaning of breakout.
1064430
Only if MLS can attract top international talent. And if we ever becomes competitive in the WC, which is doubtful.
310027
Watch for Italy to do it. Italy is notoriously slow out of the gate but if they make the final no matter the opponent, they will win. They have improved their offence while still maintaining a strong defensive approach. Of course, it goes without saying that finishing 2nd in their group is and should not be their objective! :o)\nCan USA win? i don't think so..Clearly you know there is something wrong with the FIFA ranking system when they are ranked ahead of such countries as Italy. The US is a good team but not that good and in a tough group.
323883
Yes, every single year, the skill between countries seems to be leveling out.  Four years ago USA wasn't respected at all in the football world.  Now some are picking them to advance in a group that includes the Czech Republic and Italy.  As long as countries continue to improve, the World Cups will keep getting better.
357914
I think he meant the semifinals.  The US did make it last time 'round, but then again so did Senegal, Turkey and South Korea.  I personally do not think they will pass the first round this time.  The team is getting a little boastful because of their strong showing in '02, and it shows in the media and the fans.  Facing extremely strong teams such as Italy, Czech Republic and even Ghana (watch out for them US fans, they are stronger than many think) in round one, it will take a very strong tournament for them to make it to the Round of 16.  Plus I don't think teams will underestimate them again (Mexico's big mistake in 2002).  All things being equal, if all four teams play strong this year, US will be 3rd maybe even 4th, with many draws and close games, but I think the US doesn't have the skill to play tight games with strong teams as of now.\n\nAs for the round of 4, they might make it in the next decade.  It doesn't mean the US are a bad team, just not the top four in the world.  (Coca Cola/ FIFA rankings don't mean anything, its a wacky system that few take seriously)