How far does the US of A go in the World Cup Knockout round?

[charlie and algernon]

[muriel_volestrangler]

1. There are optimists here that put the unrealistic England expectations in the shade

Champions? Really?

[redqueen]

3. We didn't do too poorly in the Confederations Cup.

How did England do in that competition?

[Upton]

4. England didn't play in the Confederations Cup..

but that poster is correct..suggesting that the US will win the whole thing is a real stretch..

[redqueen]

7. Yes, I know they didn't. (nt)

[muriel_volestrangler]

5. Do you think the USA performance in the first 3 games has looked world-beating?

Looking at the Confederations Cup, the USA lost twice to Brazil, and once to Italy. The only impressive result they had was beating Spain. It's not a record suggesting they'll beat all-comers.

And here's the FIFA rankings from before the World Cup started:

1 Brazil
2 Spain
3 Portugal
4 Netherlands
5 Italy
6 Germany
7 Argentina
8 England
9 France
10 Croatia
11 Russia
12 Egypt
13 Greece
14 USA
15 Serbia
16 Uruguay

So there will probably be about 7 countries ranked above the USA left in, once the last 16 is finalised. I'm not saying England is any better than the USA at the moment, but those ranked 1 to 7 pretty much all are.

[redqueen]

8. Not particularly, but I do think we're capable.

It would take some luck but there is an amount of luck in the game as we all know.

My main point is that you comparing any US fans that think we might make it to those in England thinking the same is not quite fair considering the two teams' performances in this and the last major competition.

[muriel_volestrangler]

10. I think it's very fair - the USA and England stand about the same chance

ie very little. After all, the 2 teams just played each other, and it was a draw, and finished with the same numbers of points and goal difference in the group - the USA just had more goals for and against, which made them top of the group. I'd give the USA a better chance of reaching the quarter finals, since England comes up against a good opposition in the very next game, while the USA has an easier opponent. After that, either team will struggle.

[Dr Morbius]

2. I'm sorry, and I hope I am wrong.

But I think team USA loses their next game. Not that they aren't any good, but in America, soccer is an interest and in Ghana, it's a passion. At best, USA loses in the round of eight.

[PRETZEL]

6. US will be favored against Ghana

but then they more than likely get Brazil in the quarters.

So, it was all in all a good showing by the US.

[Gordan Shumway]

11. US will play the winner of Uruguay-South Korea

if they make the quarters. Brazil wouldn't be until the semis.

[PRETZEL]

12. my mistake,

read the bracket wrong.

[CBR]

9. I think we have a chance against Ghana but I do not feel

extremely confident. They are a good, solid team with passion. I think we would run into trouble against Uruguay, assuming they beat SK.

[Codeine]

13. I don't think Paraguay beating SK is a fair assumption.

South Korea are one of the most tenacious teams in the world, with more skill than is first apparent. That game looks like a toss-up to me.

[two gun sid]

14. I think they will lose to the Black Stars in the next round.

[caraher]

15. I'm an optimist...

I think the draw gives them a good chance of making the semifinals, though I wouldn't be shocked if Uruguay knocked them out in the quarterfinals. But I do think they should get past Ghana and stand a good chance of winning two games.