Group G preview - Group of Death

Well, now we come to the Group of Death AND the one that most readers of this blog probably have their emotional stakes planted in. We'll get to a more in-depth look at the home team in a moment but to be honest it looks like our boys are a long-shot. Thats's because this group is his stacked! You have the second an third ranked countries, the best player in the world, and an unexpected rivalry between two countries they couldn't be more different.  So, here's your preview!

Germany:

Germany is simply a powerhouse with the potential to win the entire tournament. The whole squad is made up of a mix of toughness, skill, shooting prowess, and experience beyond their years. Even if you don't look at their current players you can just look at their history. They have three World Cup championships in their trophy case and four runner-up finishes. Jurgen Klinsmann says there is no doubt Germany will go through this group. Even though I cringe at hearing our coach say that I have to begrudgingly agree with him.

The only way to beat this team is to somehow affect their midfield. They have two of the most elite passers in the game in Bastian Schweinsteiger and Arsenal's Mesit Ozil. The only way to shut them down, or at least slow them down, is to pack the center of the pitch in a way that clogs the passing lanes. The problem with that is they then have world-class wingers who can exploit the space on the side. I'll be honest, I can't see this team not making at least the quarterfinals.

Portugal:

Cristiano Ronaldo. The player for Real Madrid in Spain's La Liga is simply the best there is. That is not just my opinion but the opinion of journalists, players, and the FIFA community. He recently won FIFA's player of the year award. He also won the biggest club tournament in the world; European Champions League this season. Shutting him down is an absolute must for any team that wants to get past this European power house. Is stopping him possible? In the words of US center-back Matt Besler, "He's just human." Even though Ronaldo flexes like a superhero, it's true, he can be beaten if you keep the ball away from his part of the pitch. Easier said then done.

Now, when we talked about Portugal it's easy to focus only on Ronaldo. But he does have a supporting cast around him made up of players that are playing their trade around the world. Manchester United forward and winger, Nani, could be one of those that can change the tide if Ronaldo isn't getting it done. Ronaldo has been out of a few of the warm-up games lately, tending to some and injuries, and Nani helped Portugal hold their own in his stead. Ronaldo is slated to be back and healthy for the tournament meaning that picking Portugal to come in second in this group is pretty much the wise choice. But if you're leaning towards other teams, like our boys, then this could be the team to leave out of your knockout round. Just saying. :)

United States:

Well, here we are. I'm not sure how to write this in a non-biased way. So I just won't.
The US, if placed in any other group, could be a favorite to go far in this tournament. We have proven our ability to develop players that can play at the world-class level and that our national team grind our way through international caliber tournaments. We are known for exploiting our underdog status and using our "Blue Collar" work ethic to create incredible comebacks and upsets. Landon Donovan's last minute goal against Algeria in the 2010 World Cup is the perfect example. A fast-break, it started from with a throw from keeper Tim Howard, went through Jozy Altidore, culminated in a Dempsey shot that was blocked, and blew the taps off bars around the US when Donovan clean up with a picture perfect "shot" of American ingenuity and desire. 

But desire can easily be outmatched by class and experience. And class and experience are what we face in this group. We also have a coach, the though he's lived in America for many years now, is of German nationality and is still very German at heart. Jurgen Klinsmann has openly said over and over that Germany will win the group. He has even stated that there is "no way" that the US can win the World Cup.

Okay, now we all know that maybe true but in America we always look to be the best and achieve the highest goal. The disappointing thing about Klinsmann's words are the confidence that they may have stripped from the squad. If your coach doesn't believe in you then why should you believe in yourself? C'mon Jurgen.  Keep your thoughts to yourself.  We are the land that invented airplanes and the country where Disney reigns.  We can do the impossible.  We can make all your dreams come true!
  

Jurgen Klinsmann's choice of his squad has also shown that he doesn't believe in much of a run at this year's tournament. He left US soccer heroes off the roster and replace them with young, very unseasoned, and raw talent from the MLS and Germany. He argues that Landon Donovan is not where he used to be is skill and fitness. Now that is completely true but a Donovan off the bench is a much more dangerous attacking option then an 18-year-old Julian Greene who doesn't even play for the first team squad of his home club, Bayern Munich. Klinsmann is clearly looking towards 2018 in picking this roster. That is great for us in 2018 but really hamstrings are chances for getting through our group in Brazil.

Well, all that said we do have a team on the field. A good team at that. We just beat Nigeria in our last warm-up game where Jozy Altidore scored two goals. Jozy couldn't have picked a better time to finally hit the back of the net this season. Hopefully he comes into the Shana game on the 16th with confidence and a desire to continue the streak. Clint Dempsey has shown flair during the warm-ups and Mixx Diskerud has proven that he can be a wheeler and dealer in the midfield. The diamond formation that Klinsmann recently used with Beckerman, Jones, and Bradley roaming the center of the pitch might be just what we need to shut down Portugal's feed's to Ronaldo and Germany's tic-a-tac passing game. They also might provide the protection that the back line is going to need against a very speedy Ghana offense.

What I'm saying is, "There's a chance!" A slim one, a slight one, one that most people would say isn't there. But there's a chance people! I will give you a little clue into my bracket... I personally am going to pick the US to come out of the group stage. Why? I know it's not a good pick for to win ay cash but it's a heart pick. I want to see tis squad stun all the critics (especially Alexi Lalas!)  If these guys can prove their coach wrong then they could set the stage for a very exciting run. We'll see.  I'm doubtful.  But who knows? I truly hope that Klinsmann can prove my thoughts wrong and show that he is a mad scientist who knows a formula for making this 2014 campaign successful.

Ghana:

Ghana is a tough team. They're fast and they have a chip on their shoulder. They proved it in their last warm-up game where they ran circles around South Korea, a team who also qualified for Brazil.  The Back Stars have made runs into the tournament in both 2006 and 2010.  They were knock out in South Africa by a Uruguayan team that used their hands to get the game into PK's.  One shot and Ghana would have been the kings of Africa.  Their losses, though, may just feed the fire as they look at making a mark in Brazil.

And now they have a little shot of confidence this week.  The 4-0 win over South Korea was not just a momentum maker because it was a big win.  It was a huge boost because it was the first game they won since starting a highly unusual dry spell that hasn't seen them win since last October!.  This win might be a blip on the radar OR it could be the thing that gets them going at just the right time.  Want a player to watch?  Look for Asamoah Gyan.  He could lift the team to victory with his left foot alone.  Want a hint on picking them? Geez, you're asking a lot.  Maybe third?