Laley23 wrote: If we beat England, my expectations might just rise too high. I would expect to then win the group and take out Australia/Ghana (assuming Germany is able to win the group, and Serbia...well they got no shot in hell, imo) in the round of 16. Yes, I would EXPECT it...which is probably bad for my health because, afterall, this is still the USMNT.

gorocks99 wrote:

This. Winning the group raises my expectations to making the quarterfinals. And, really, making the SEMIS in that situation would not be out of the question. Win the round of 16 game, and you're likely facing France, Mexico, or MAYBE Greece in the quarterfinals.

But I'm getting wayyyyy ahead of myself.

Laley23 wrote: Im not big on the German forwards and their midfield is gonna suffer without Ballack. I could see them going down in their first game out of group play, whoever it is.

Laley23 wrote: Im not big on the German forwards and their midfield is gonna suffer without Ballack. I could see them going down in their first game out of group play, whoever it is.

Laley23 wrote: If we beat England, my expectations might just rise too high. I would expect to then win the group and take out Australia/Ghana (assuming Germany is able to win the group, and Serbia...well they got no shot in hell, imo) in the round of 16. Yes, I would EXPECT it...which is probably bad for my health because, afterall, this is still the USMNT.

Mulva wrote:

Laley23 wrote: If we beat England, my expectations might just rise too high. I would expect to then win the group and take out Australia/Ghana (assuming Germany is able to win the group, and Serbia...well they got no shot in hell, imo) in the round of 16. Yes, I would EXPECT it...which is probably bad for my health because, afterall, this is still the USMNT.

I actually think Serbia takes 2nd in that group personally. I definitely think they'll finish ahead of Australia. I don't think the Aussies will be able to find the net enough to be a threat.

3reppom wrote:

The Socceroos style of play lends itself to performing in a tournament like the world cup. They play good solid defense and get most of their offense from counter attacks. When you factor in that they just switched confederations to the much tougher Asian Football Confederation and still won their group to qualify they look well poised to make a bit of a run in South Africa.

Mulva wrote:

3reppom wrote:

The Socceroos style of play lends itself to performing in a tournament like the world cup. They play good solid defense and get most of their offense from counter attacks. When you factor in that they just switched confederations to the much tougher Asian Football Confederation and still won their group to qualify they look well poised to make a bit of a run in South Africa.

But they only managed 5 goals in 7 total matches not played on their home turf throughout qualifying.

And let's not pretend that a confederation that North Korea qualified through is anything impressive.

I just don't see it happening.

Mulva wrote:

3reppom wrote:

The Socceroos style of play lends itself to performing in a tournament like the world cup. They play good solid defense and get most of their offense from counter attacks. When you factor in that they just switched confederations to the much tougher Asian Football Confederation and still won their group to qualify they look well poised to make a bit of a run in South Africa.

But they only managed 5 goals in 7 total matches not played on their home turf throughout qualifying.

And let's not pretend that a confederation that North Korea qualified through is anything impressive.

I just don't see it happening.