Former U.S. international striker, Dante Washington, who played in the 1992 Summer Olympics, says his country is placed in the best group it has ever had at a World Cup finals. The USA is paired alongside England, Algeria, and Slovenia for the 2010 World Cup in South Africa. After playing in the Major League Soccer (MLS) for nine years, he retired after the 2005 season and is currently Regional Ambassador for the MLS.
Mr. Washington writes exclusively for Ib’s Blog on his reaction to the World Cup draw.
My initial reaction is that this is, by far, the best grouping we have ever had for the World Cup. We don’t have a “superpower” that we usually are overmatched against. It is quite feasible that we could move on without a loss in our group. However, it is very premature and is a knee-jerk reaction to assume that we will go through easily.
England, despite their earlier performances, will play against us in a similar fashion to a World Cup Final. It will be the death of them if they lose to the U.S. in the World Cup. It’s easier to beat a team in friendlies or other tournaments but the World Cup is a completely different animal. They will be out for blood against us.
Algeria and Slovenia are sleepers. I don’t know much about either of the 2, but we’re not used to playing these types of teams. We rarely play games against African teams let alone on African soil. I don’t think we’ve ever played a game against a West African country in Africa. I think we have only played teams like Morocco.
Slovenia will be athletic and technical. These types of European teams usually have players similar to Americans in style and physicality but are usually more technical. Also, soccer is their way out from their country (similar to most soccer-playing nations in the world). They, for me, bring the same kinds of problems that the Czechs, Yugos, etc. bring to the table.
All in all, we have a very favorable draw, but it is not a foregone conclusion that we will advance. We will have to play well in each game to advance. We can’t afford to stumble because I think Algeria or Slovenia could play really, really well and make a push to advance instead of the U.S. and England who should advance.
The ‘group of death’ by far is the Brazil, Portugal, Ivory Coast, and North Korea. There’s no questioning that one!
Also see:
· Exclusive Interview: The U.S. Qualifying For The World Cup Is Not Even A Question, Says Alexi Lalas
· Exclusive Interview: Former England Ntl. Team Psychologist Bill Beswick Tips England To Win World Cup
· CAF Unveil Five-man Shortlist For 2009 African Player Of The year
· Exclusive Interview: Obi Mikel Eyes Champions League and Premiership
· Exclusive Interview: Salomon Kalou Anticipates A Great Season
