It's Here...

Finally, the World Cup is upon us and I am pumped. I love the tournament, the emotion, and the passion, not to mention soccer played by the best of the best and this Cup looks to be as exciting as ever. Luckily I'll be able to sneak down and watch some of the matches at work.

How do I think the ole Stars & Stripes will do? I believe they'll squeak by the firs round and the USA stands a chance to score some major upsets, as they are in "Group of Death" with #2 ranked Czech Republic and traditional power Italy, not to mention a solid team in Ghana. The Czech Republic is a very, very solid team and welcomed the return of star Pavel Nedved; however, yesterday he limped off the field during practice. Italy is always strong and are lucky to get back Francesco Totti after he suffered a late season injury while playing with his club, Roma. The Azzurri are not without problems, as the entire Italian Soccer Federation is in turmoil with investigations into payoffs and corruption involving top teams Juventus and Inter Milan; further, they have a few key guys that are banged up and it may limit their ability to go deep into the bench. The Italian turmoil is why I think the USA will advance; nobody wants to take the USA seriously, even after the USA's performance in 2002 and recent #4 FIFA Ranking. However, the world won't say it, but they are afraid to play the Americans and there are some very talented players on the squad. I don't think they'll go far though, b/c finishing second would mean playing Brazil and a first place would play either Australia, Croatia, or Japan, which the US definitely could win.

My pick: Obviously you have to take the Brasilieros, they are as talented as ever with Ronaldo back for his 95th Cup, the world's best player in Ronaldinho, and a bevy of other guys that no other team can match top to bottom. However, I think they can be beaten if they are slowed down, and teams such as England, France, Italy, and Germany play those styles that can keep the Brazilians from playing their game. But, I just don't see it happening.

Golden Boot: I think it could go back to Ronaldo, but watch out for Thierry Henry of France, Totti, England's Michael Owen, and we could see the emergence of Sweden's golden boy, Zlatan.