There's not a more simple way to say this. The World Cup is finally almost upon us.
Ever since USA's improbable run in the Confederation's Cup last summer the World Cup has been something I have greatly looked forward to.
Most teams, including USA, have arrived in South Africa by now and are in the midst of acclimating to the climate of South Africa. The climate is more on the winter side this time of year so teams from the Northern Hemisphere will have to make sure they adjust to that.
The Americans have already expressed how comfortable they feel playing in South Africa and how it's almost become a home away from home. The people there have been very welcoming and that has to be good for the psyche of the players.
It's definitely got to be better than having bags of urine thrown at you like in Mexico.
So just who is the favorites to win the World Cup. Well it's almost like firing a shot in the dark to really answer that, but the usual suspects are there.
Brazil is obviously a safe bet here. They're by far the best team in this World Cup but that doesn't always mean success. All it takes is one simple goal and an offensive breakdown for your team to get sent packing by the likes of a less formidable opponent.
What makes Brazil so tough to beat is how explosive their offense is. We saw that against USA in the Confederations Cup final when Brazil came back from two goals down in the 2nd half.
Obviously you have to watch out for teams like Spain, Italy, and Germany.
As for the Americans' group, England will be a tough obstacle to climb if they want to win the group. You should be reminded that they don't have to win the group to advance. It's the top two teams that advance to the second round.
That means that the Americans will have to get by either Algeria (31st in the world) or Slovenia (23rd in the world). The way the Americans have been playing as of late leads me to believe they'll finish second in their group.
The Americans just won an international friendly against Turkey this past week and have a date with Australia before beginning World Cup play a week from Saturday.
Mexico is my sleeper pick and everyone should be afraid to play this team. They have so much tenacity and such a high soccer IQ. They're always very nicely conditioned and they fought their way into this World Cup against all odds.
When it's all said and done I'm playing it safe here and calling Brazil to win another World Cup. They'll meet a fellow South American nation in Argentina in the final and their will be plenty of excitement to go around.
Now by no means is soccer my specialty but my love for March Madness is coming out in me when looking over the World Cup bracket. All I can say is I can't wait to here those World Cup announcers yell "GOOOALLLLL" when the Americans take the field against England on June 12.
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