[austinTparty]

Being in the Group of Death sure doesn't help the US chances... the thing about the World Cup though, injuries, the extra little something of playing for one's country, and myriad other factors always serve to keep it unpredictable and totally exciting. (And let's face it: the US players are under WAY less pressure to even advance to the 2nd round than the majority of the teams.)

And btw: Sorry to see NZ get so miserably crushed by Brazil in the friendlies---it was honestly painful to watch. But knowing the the Brazilian team is one of the best ever should assuage the sorrow just a bit!

[FostersExport]

The USA's group is tough, no doubt, but it isn't the Group of Death - that hounour goes to Netherlands, Argentina, Serbia & Montenegro and Ivory Coast. Not a bad team there.

I still think the USA could get through. Getting a result against the Czech Republic (who are getting on a bit) or Italy isn't totally out of the question.